thermal regulation device of a vehicle battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal regulation device for a vehicle battery pack, comprising: two adjacent housings (101, 102) each receiving at least one battery block (21, 22) formed of one or more battery cells (3), which housings are delimited by longitudinal (1001, 1002, 1003) and transverse (110) cross members forming a mechanical support structure for said blocks, a common longitudinal cross member separating the housings, a fluid circulation circuit in which a heat transfer fluid circulates in each housing, to thermally regulate the cells, inlet and outlet manifolds for the heat transfer fluid, the circulation circuit is defined at least in part by an internal passage (1011, 1012, 1013) formed in each longitudinal cross member, each longitudinal cross member forming an inlet and / or outlet manifold,The internal passage of the common longitudinal cross member forms a common inlet and / or outlet collector for the dwellings. Figure from the abstract: Fig. 2B,

Description

Title of the invention: thermal regulation device for a vehicle battery pack Technical field

[0001] The subject of the invention is a device for thermal regulation of a vehicle battery pack, as well as a cooling system comprising such a device.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the technical field of thermal regulation of batteries, and more particularly of battery blocks making up a battery pack, the cells of said blocks being capable of releasing heat during their operation. The invention applies preferentially, but not exclusively, to the automotive field, and more particularly to the field of vehicles with electric and / or hybrid motors. State of the art

[0003] A motor vehicle, and more particularly an electric and / or hybrid vehicle, requires one or more battery packs to produce the energy necessary for its operation. Each battery pack is made up of one or more cells whose electrical conduction is enabled by busbars (also called "bar set" or "bus bar").

[0004] Figures 1A, 1B illustrate a thermal regulation device 1 of a vehicle battery pack, of the type known from the prior art. In these figures, the device comprises two adjacent housings 10i, 102 (a greater number of housings may be provided), which housings are configured to each receive at least one battery pack, respectively 2b 22. Each battery pack is composed of one or more battery cells 3 of prismatic shape. The housings 10i, 102 are delimited by longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 and transverse crosspieces 110, a common longitudinal crosspiece 1002 separating the two said housings.

[0005] When assembled together, these crosspieces form a structure ensuring the mechanical retention of the battery packs 2b 22. By mechanical retention, it is meant that the crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 block the lateral and transverse movements of the battery packs 2b 22 in the housings 10i, 102 by keeping in particular the cells 3 clamped together, and absorb the mechanical stresses external to the housings (for example an impact) and / or internal (for example deformations of the cells 3 due to their swelling in the event of overheating).

[0006] A circuit makes it possible to circulate a heat transfer fluid in the housings 10i, 102, around the cells of the battery packs 2b 22 to regulate them thermally. Inlet manifolds 40b 402 and outlet manifolds 50i, 502 also make it possible to bring and to evacuate the heat transfer fluid respectively into and out of the housings. These collectors are generally arranged in or on upper 4 and lower 5 walls, respectively forming a cover wall and a bottom wall, sealingly closing the housings 10i, 102. These collectors are added parts which can be difficult to install, and which can be relatively bulky. The collectors 40i, 402, 50i, 502 thus tend to reduce the energy density of the battery pack. Energy density here refers to the quantity of energy stored in the battery pack per unit of volume or mass of said battery pack.

[0007] Faced with this state of affairs, one objective of the invention is to increase the energy density of a vehicle battery pack. Another objective of the invention is to reduce the size of the battery pack, particularly in height. Presentation of the invention

[0008] The solution proposed by the invention is a device for thermal regulation of a vehicle battery pack, in which: - at least one first and one second adjacent housing are configured to each receive at least one battery pack each composed of one or more battery cells, which housings are delimited by longitudinal crosspieces and transverse crosspieces forming a structure ensuring the mechanical maintenance of said blocks, a common longitudinal crosspiece separating the two said housings, - a fluid circulation circuit is configured so that a heat transfer fluid circulates in each housing, between the cells, to regulate them thermally, - inlet and outlet manifolds respectively allow the heat transfer fluid to be brought into and evacuated from said circulation circuit, - the fluid circulation circuit is defined at least in part by an internal passage shaped in each longitudinal crosspiece so that each longitudinal crosspiece forms an inlet and / or outlet manifold, - the internal passage of the common longitudinal crosspiece is shaped so as to form an inlet and / or outlet manifold which is common to the first housing and the second housing.

[0009] The longitudinal crosspieces now act as collectors and therefore have a dual function: on the one hand, mechanically holding the battery packs, and on the other hand ensuring distribution / recovery of the fluid in / out of the housings. Compared to the battery pack of Figures 1A and 1B, the number of constituent parts of the battery pack according to the invention is reduced insofar as the collectors are now directly integrated into the longitudinal crosspieces. The size, particularly in height, is also reduced. As a result, the energy density of the battery pack is increased. By this design, the regulation device The thermal system of the invention is particularly robust, its thermal performance also being particularly stable. Its compactness allows efficient use of the available space / footprint and allows great flexibility in its design. The invention also allows savings on maintenance costs due to the reduction in the number of parts.

[0010] Other advantageous characteristics of the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the internal passage of the common longitudinal crosspiece has one or more openings opening into the first housing and into the second housing.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the internal passage of the common longitudinal crossmember has a first series of openings opening into the first housing and a second series of openings opening into the second housing, each said opening being arranged to open respectively into a space separating each battery cell.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the internal passage of each other longitudinal crosspiece which is not common to the housings, has one or more openings opening into the corresponding housing. And advantageously, the internal passage of each other longitudinal crosspiece has a series of openings opening into the corresponding housing, each said opening being arranged to open respectively into a space separating each battery cell installed in said housing.

[0014] According to one embodiment, each longitudinal crosspiece has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, at least one side wall of which is located in one of the housings, the opening(s) being provided on this side wall. And advantageously, each opening is in the form of an oblong slot or hole extending in the height of the corresponding longitudinal crosspiece.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the common longitudinal crosspiece forms an inlet manifold, respectively an outlet manifold, common to the two housings, each other longitudinal crosspiece which is not common to the housings forming an outlet manifold, respectively an inlet manifold. And advantageously, the circulation of the fluid in the common longitudinal crosspiece and the circulation of the fluid in the other longitudinal crosspieces which are not common to the housings are in opposite directions.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment, the circulation of the fluid in the common longitudinal crosspiece and the circulation of the fluid in the other longitudinal crosspieces which are not common to the housings, are in the same direction.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each longitudinal crosspiece is formed by a hollow rigid profile delimiting the internal passage for circulation of the fluid.

[0018] According to one embodiment, one or more mechanical reinforcements are provided in the profiles forming crosspieces.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the housings are sealed in a fluid-tight manner by a common cover, which cover is configured to leave, in each housing, an air gap between an internal wall of said cover and the upper part of the battery cells.

[0020] According to one embodiment, vent valves are installed on the cover, above the housings, each valve being in fluid communication with one of the air blades.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cover has, at least at the level of the common longitudinal crosspiece, one or more arrangements shaped to receive electrical connection elements of the battery packs.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the device comprises: M adjacent housings each configured to receive at least one battery pack, M being an integer greater than 3; M1 common longitudinal crosspieces separating the housings, said common longitudinal crosspieces alternately forming an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cooling system comprising a thermal regulation device according to one of the preceding characteristics, and further comprising in each housing: - one or more battery packs each comprising one or more adjacent battery cells, including two end cells each arranged at a transverse crosspiece, and spacers installed between the cells, at least two orifices being provided on each spacer; and in which the fluid circulation circuit is defined at least in part by the spacers, the internal passage of each longitudinal crosspiece having one or more openings each opening into one of said two orifices of each spacer.

[0024] According to one embodiment, seals ensure fluid tightness between the orifices of the spacers and the openings of the longitudinal crosspieces.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the spacers are in contact with adjacent large lateral faces of the battery cells, so that all of said large lateral faces are cooled by the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

[0027] [Fig.lA] above is an exploded perspective schematic view of a battery pack of the prior art.

[0028] [Fig.lB] above is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the battery pack of [Fig.lA] in the assembled state.

[0029] [Fig.2A] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal regulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.2B] is a schematic sectional view along AA of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.2A].

[0031] [Fig.3A] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a thermal regulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.3B] is a schematic sectional view along BB of the thermal regulation device of [Fig.3A].

[0033] [Fig.4] shows diagrammatically longitudinal crosspieces suitable for use in a thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0034] [Fig.5] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a thermal regulation device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of battery cells having spacers installed thereon.

[0036] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a spacer according to another embodiment.

[0037] [Fig.8A] is a schematic perspective view, seen from above, of a cover common suitable for use in a thermal regulation device according to the invention.

[0038] [Fig.8B] is a schematic perspective view, seen from below, of the common cover of [Fig.8A]. Description of the embodiments

[0039] As used herein, and unless otherwise indicated, the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, whether in time, space, ordering, etc. "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that in the various accompanying drawings, the objects are arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading.

[0040] The thermal regulation device which is the subject of the invention aims to regulate the temperature of a battery pack, in particular a battery pack of a motor vehicle. electric and / or hybrid. However, it can be fitted to other types of vehicles or used to regulate the temperature of other electrical and / or electronic components, such as power electronics elements, for example, and without limitation, semiconductors such as diodes or transistors. It could also be computer server components. According to a preferred embodiment, the thermal regulation consists of cooling the cells of the battery pack.

[0041] In Figures 2A and 2B, the thermal regulation device 1 is formed of two adjacent housings 10i, 102, a greater number of housings being able to be provided. Each housing is configured to receive one or more battery packs, each composed of one or more adjacent battery cells 3. More generally, each battery pack comprises N cells 3, with N an integer between 2 and 25. These cells 3 are arranged in a column, each battery pack being able to comprise one or more columns of cells, these columns being adjacent.

[0042] The housings 10i, 102 are delimited by longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 and transverse crosspieces 110. A common longitudinal crosspiece 1002 separates the two said housings.

[0043] Preferably, the cells 3 are prismatic, that is to say generally parallelepipedal in shape, but can also be of any other shape known to those skilled in the art, for example cylindrical. When the cell 3 is prismatic, it comprises two large transverse faces, two small lateral faces, an upper face and a lower face. These different faces are generally flat, but some may be curved or bent. The cells 3 of a battery pack are positioned adjacent to each other at their large transverse faces and are preferably positioned in the longitudinal direction of the housings 10i, 102, that is to say the large transverse faces are parallel to the transverse crosspieces 110.

[0044] Each cell 3 further has two positive and negative terminals 30 for an electrical connection. More specifically, the cells 3 are connected in series or in parallel, via their terminals 30, by means of busbars (also called “busbars” or “bus bars”).

[0045] A circulation circuit makes it possible to circulate a heat transfer fluid in each housing 10i, 102, between the cells 3, to regulate them thermally. A pump (not shown) makes it possible to circulate the heat transfer fluid in the circulation circuit from a reservoir.

[0046] The heat transfer fluid used is preferably a dielectric liquid, for example a mineral oil or a fluorinated liquid, but may be in another form, for example blown air. The fluid may be pre-cooled or heated according to the targeted thermal regulation.

[0047] In practice, when the heat transfer fluid circulates in the housings 10i, 102, the cells 3 are immersed in said liquid, advantageously immersed between 80% and 100%, and preferably between 90% and 100% of their height, so as to maximize the heat exchanges.

[0048] The circulation circuit is defined at least in part by an internal passage 1011, 1012, 1013 formed in each longitudinal crosspiece 100i, 1002, 1003. Thus, in addition to its mechanical holding function, each longitudinal crosspiece 100i, 1002, 1003 now forms an inlet and / or outlet manifold for bringing and / or discharging the heat transfer fluid into / out of the housings 10i, 102. The manifolds being integrated into the longitudinal crosspieces, the overall height and width of the device are optimized, said device being particularly compact in comparison with existing solutions of the prior art.

[0049] In the attached figures, each crosspiece 100i, 1002, 1003, 110 has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. This configuration allows easy positioning and assembly of the crosspieces to form the holding structure.

[0050] According to one embodiment, each longitudinal crosspiece 100i, 1002, 1003 is in the form of a hollow rigid profile delimiting the internal fluid circulation passage 1011, 1012, 1013. Advantageously, metal profiles (steel, aluminum, etc.) or plastic material are used, preferably profiles in the form of a hollow tube, of square or rectangular section, and the ends of which are closed in a fluid-tight manner. For example, the thickness of the walls of each profile is between 2 mm and 5 mm. The use of this type of hollow rigid profile makes it possible to form the internal passages 101i, 1012, 1013 very simply and at low cost. In addition, this type of profile gives the crosspieces very high mechanical strength with a reduced size and a relatively light weight.To provide even more rigidity to the crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003, one or more mechanical reinforcements 140 may be provided in these profiles. According to another embodiment, each longitudinal crosspiece 100i, 1002, 1003 is in the form of an assembly of plates, for example metal or plastic plates, which plates are fixed together, for example by welding. To simplify the design, the transverse crosspieces 110 are similar to the longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 but may however be of different design.

[0051] In the example of Figures 2A and 2B, the end longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002 form outlet manifolds 1011, 1012 allowing the heat transfer fluid to be evacuated from the housings 10i, 102. And the common longitudinal crosspiece 1002 forms an inlet manifold 1013 allowing the heat transfer fluid to be brought into the housings 10i, 102. The transverse ends of the crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 are advantageously provided with connectors 150 for fluidically connecting the collectors 101 b 1012, 1013 to the portion of the circuit comprising the pump and / or the reservoir. According to one embodiment, these connectors 150 are of the quick-connect type, for example Luer-Lock® type connectors. The position of the inlet / outlet connectors 150 on the longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003 may vary depending on the desired direction of circulation in said crosspieces.

[0052] The collector 1012 has the particularity of being common to the two housings 10i, 102. In other words, the collector 1012 simultaneously supplies the two housings 10i, 102. A reverse configuration is obviously possible, in which the end crosspieces 100i, 1003 form inlet collectors and the common crosspiece 1002 forms an outlet collector.

[0053] In [Fig.2B], the circulation of the fluid in the common crosspiece 1002 and the circulation of the fluid in the other crosspieces 1001, 1003 are in opposite directions. The applicant has found that this configuration where the fluid circulates in parallel in the crosspieces, but in opposite directions, makes it possible to improve the distribution and homogeneity of the temperature of the fluid, so that the regulation device is particularly effective. A configuration where the circulations of the fluid in the crosspieces are in the same direction is also conceivable and offers satisfactory results in terms of distribution and homogeneity of the temperature of the fluid, although below a configuration in “opposite direction”.

[0054] The internal passage 1012 of the common crosspiece 1002 has several openings 10112, 10122 opening respectively into the first housing 10i and into the second housing 102. In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 4, a first series of openings 10112 opens into the first housing 10i and a second series of openings 1012 2 opens into the second housing 102. These openings are made in the side walls of the crosspiece 1002 which are located in the housings 10i, 102. They are arranged to each open into a space separating each cell 3 (intercell space). Each opening 10112, 10122 is preferably in the form of a slot or an oblong hole extending in the height of the crosspiece 1002 and whose width corresponds substantially to the intercell space. This configuration makes it possible to avoid having to preposition the crosspiece 1002, the position of its upper and lower faces being in particular interchangeable.

[0055] Similarly, the internal passages 1011, 1013 of the end crosspieces 100i, 1003 each have one or more openings 101U, 10113 opening into the corresponding housing 10i, 102. In Figures 2A, 2B and 4, each end crosspiece 100i, 1003 has a series of openings 101U, 10113 opening into the corresponding housing. These openings 101U, 10113 are made in the walls lateral of the end crosspieces 100i, 1003 located in the housings 10b 102. They are arranged to each open into an intercell space and are arranged to mirror the corresponding openings 10112, 10122 of the common crosspiece 1002. The openings 101 lb 10113 are preferably in the form of slots or oblong holes extending in the height of the crosspieces 100b 1003 and whose width corresponds substantially to the intercell space. This configuration makes it possible to avoid having to preposition the crosspieces 100b 1003, the position of their upper and lower faces being in particular interchangeable. And each crosspiece 100b 1003 can be installed indifferently to the right or to the left of the common crosspiece 1002, as long as their openings 101 lb 10113 are located in one of the housings 10b 102.

[0056] The openings 1011 b 10113, 10112, 10122 may have other shapes, for example a circular, oval, square, rectangular shape, etc. According to one embodiment, the openings 1011 b 10113, 10112, 10122 have a shape complementary to the orifices 40b 402 arranged in the spacers 4 described further in the description.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the side wall of each crosspiece 100b 1002, 1003 located in the corresponding housing has a single opening opening into said housing and which is common to each intercell space.

[0058] Generally, if the device comprises M adjacent housings configured to each receive at least one battery pack, M being an integer greater than 3, then M1 common longitudinal crosspieces separate these housings. These common longitudinal crosspieces alternately form an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. In the example of [Fig. 5], the device has four housings 10b 102, 103, 104 (M=4) and three common longitudinal crosspieces 1002, 1003, 1004. Starting from left to right in [Fig. 5], the first end crosspiece 100i forms an outlet manifold, the first common crosspiece 1002 forms an inlet manifold, the second common crosspiece 1003 forms an outlet manifold, the third common crosspiece 1004 forms an inlet manifold and the second end crosspiece 1005 forms an outlet manifold.

[0059] The embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B is similar to that of Figures 2A and 2B, the internal passage of the common crosspiece 1002 being however divided into two, so as to present a first internal passage 1012[ and a second internal passage 10122. These passages 1012b 10122 are fluidically isolated from each other, for example by means of a separating wall 140 shaped or added in the crosspiece 1002, which wall can form one of the aforementioned mechanical reinforcements.

[0060] The first internal passage 1012i defines an inlet manifold supplying the first housing 10b and the second internal passage 10122 defines an outlet manifold for discharging the fluid from the second housing 102. The common crosspiece 1002 thus forms an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold. Depending on the nature of the col readers formed in the other crosspieces 100i, 1003 an inverse configuration can be envisaged where the first internal passage 10l2i defines an output manifold and the second internal passage 10122 defines an input manifold. Each internal passage 10121, 10122 has openings, respectively 10112, 10122, similar to the openings described previously.

[0061] This configuration where the common crosspiece 1002 forms two collectors applies to a configuration of the type illustrated in [Fig.5] where the device comprises M adjacent housings and M1 common longitudinal crosspieces.

[0062] According to the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures and in particular in [Fig.6], spacers 6 are positioned between each inter-cell space of the battery pack. The spacers 6 have the function of keeping the cells 3 spaced apart from each other, at a determined distance. They also make it possible to compress the cells 3, in order to prevent them from swelling in the event of overheating.

[0063] If the battery pack comprises N cells 3, including two end cells each arranged at a transverse cross member 110, then at least N1 spacers 6 are provided, each spacer being installed between two adjacent cells. According to a preferred embodiment, spacers 6 are also installed between the end cells and the transverse cross members 110, so that the battery pack comprises N+1 spacers 6.

[0064] Each spacer 6 has a support zone 60 configured to bear against the large transverse faces 31 of the cells 3 between which it is installed. Each spacer 6 may further comprise two lateral support zones 61 configured to bear against the small lateral faces of a cell. These lateral support zones 61 form an extension of the spacer 6 allowing it to be held on the cell 3.

[0065] Each spacer 6 has a structure configured to be installed in a removable manner on a cell 3, preferably by clipping or by gluing. According to one embodiment, the structure of the spacer 6 is adjusted (for example, by elastic deformation) to the shape of the cell 3 to be tightly mounted thereon, so that the contacts between said structure and said cell are fluid-tight contacts. According to an alternative embodiment, the spacers 6 are fixed in a non-removable manner on the cells 3, for example by gluing.

[0066] These spacers 6 also define a portion of the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit. Thus, the presence of the spacers 6 in contact with the large transverse faces 31 of the cells 3 allows cooling of said large faces by the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit.

[0067] Advantageously, the spacers 6 have a relatively low thermal conductivity, so as to play a role of thermal insulation between the cells 3. Preferably, the spacers 6 are made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at most 0.4 W.nr'.K-1, preferably a thermal conductivity of at most 0.2 W.nr'.K-1. The material used may be a polymer or a polymer-based composite material, such as a flame-retardant polyamide, or a material from the silicate family, preferably calcium silicate reinforced with fibers.

[0068] When the cells 3 are installed in the usage configuration in a housing, the support zone 60 not only bears against the large transverse face 31 of the cell 3 against which the spacer 6 is installed (hereinafter referred to as the large “front” transverse face), but also bears against the large transverse face of the adjacent cell (hereinafter, the large “rear” transverse face). The support zone 60 is thus sandwiched between the adjacent large transverse faces 31 of the cells 3. According to a preferred embodiment, the contacts between the support zone 60 and the large front and rear transverse faces 30 of the adjacent cells 3 are fluid-tight contacts.

[0069] The support zone 60 has the same dimensions, or substantially the same dimensions, in length and width, as those of a large transverse face 31 of cell 3. It comprises an openwork zone 600 defining a portion of the heat transfer fluid circulation circuit located opposite the large transverse face 31 and which extends over the majority of said large transverse face. Symmetrically, this openwork zone 600 is also located opposite the large rear transverse face of the adjacent cell, so that the heat transfer fluid which flows in said zone is in contact with the two large transverse faces 31 of the adjacent cells C.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the openwork zone 600 extends over at least 51%, advantageously at least 90% and preferably at least 95% of the surface area of ​​a large transverse face 31. The majority of the large transverse faces 31 can thus be in contact with the heat transfer fluid, as explained further in the description.

[0071] One or more ribs 610 extend into the openwork zone 600. These ribs 610 may be horizontal, vertical, straight, curved, etc. They are arranged so that the zone 600 has one or more paths for forced circulation of the heat transfer fluid between the adjacent cells 3. By “forced circulation”, it is meant that the fluid is forced to follow a singular path imposed by the arrangement of the rib(s) 610. Each path is thus delimited on the one hand by the large adjacent transverse faces 31 of the cells 3, and on the other hand by one or more ribs 610. The openwork zone 600 may thus have a single path or several paths independent of each other.

[0072] The number of passes on the large transverse faces 31 (i.e. the changes of direction in each forced circulation path) is adjusted in function of the desired heat exchange and / or according to the permitted pressure drop. The best results in terms of heat exchange are obtained when a path has at least one change in direction of the fluid, advantageously at least three changes.

[0073] One or more orifices 611, 612 are further provided on the spacer 6, each of the orifices opening respectively into one of the openings 101 11, 101 13, 101 12, 101 22 provided in the longitudinal crosspieces 100 i, 100 2, 100 3. These orifices 611, 612 are adapted to put the zone 600, and more particularly its path or each of its paths, into fluid communication with the internal passages 101 i, 101 2, 101 3 formed in the longitudinal crosspieces 100 i, 100 2, 100 3. More generally, the orifices 611, 612 have the function of putting the inlet of each path of the zone 600 into fluid communication with an inlet manifold and the outlet of said path with an output collector.

[0074] In [Fig. 6], an orifice 611 is arranged in the lower part of a lateral support zone 61 of the spacer 6 (to the right of [Fig. 6]) and another orifice 612 is arranged in the upper part of the other lateral support zone 61 of said spacer (to the left of [Fig. 6]). This arrangement of orifices ensures good distribution and good homogeneity of temperature of the fluid. Other arrangements of orifices are conceivable, in particular according to the arrangement of the ribs 610 and / or the configuration of the path(s) in the zone 600. Each of these orifices is located at an inlet and an outlet of the path.

[0075] One or more other orifices may be positioned at an upper edge of the spacer 6, so that the fluid can flow above and around the busbars. This embodiment may be advantageous if it is desired to provide, in addition to cooling of the cells 3, cooling of the busbars.

[0076] Referring to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, seals 7, for example made of elastomer, advantageously ensure fluid tightness between the orifices 611, 612 and the openings 10111, 10113, 10112, 10122. According to one embodiment, these seals 7 are installed on the spacers 6, at the level of the lateral support zones 61 in which the orifices 611, 612 are arranged. When the openings 10111, 10113, 10112, 10122 and the orifices 611, 612 do not have complementary shapes, the seals 7 are advantageously configured to seal in a sealed manner the parts of said openings which are not opposite said orifices. According to another embodiment, the seals 7 are installed on the side walls of the longitudinal crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003, around the openings 101U, 10113, 10112, 10122.

[0077] The circulation of the heat transfer fluid (shown schematically by the arrows) within the spacers 6 is described below, by way of illustrative example only, in particular with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B.

[0078] In the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B, the fluid arrives via the inlet manifold 1012 formed in the common longitudinal crosspiece 1002. The fluid enters the zone 600 of each spacer 6 installed in the first housing 10i, through an opening 10112 and an orifice 611. The fluid then circulates in a forced manner in the path of the zone 600 until it reaches the orifice 612. The fluid is then discharged via an opening 1011i, into the outlet manifold 1011 formed in the end longitudinal crosspiece 100i.

[0079] Concerning the second housing 102, the fluid enters the circulation section 600, through an opening 10122 and the orifice 612. The fluid then circulates in a forced manner in the section 600 until reaching the orifice 611. The fluid is then evacuated through an opening 10113, into the outlet manifold 1013 formed in the end longitudinal crosspiece 1003.

[0080] In the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B, the circulation of the fluid in the first housing 10i, from the inlet manifold 1012i shaped in the common longitudinal crossmember 1002, is similar to that described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Concerning the second housing 102, the fluid arrives via the inlet manifold 1013 shaped in the end longitudinal crossmember 1003. The fluid enters the section 600 through an opening 10113 and the orifice 611. The fluid then circulates forcibly in the section 600 until it reaches the orifice 612. The fluid is then discharged via an opening 10122, into the outlet manifold 10122 shaped in the common longitudinal crossmember 1002.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the path(s) formed in the zone 600 have circulation sections of variable widths. Advantageously, these sections have a decreasing width from the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold. Preferably, this decrease may be gradual or continuous. The decreasing width of the circulation sections is between -20% and -80%, and preferably between -40% and -60%. This reduction in width is possible thanks to the arrangement and / or the conformation of the ribs 610 and makes it possible to increase the speed of the heat transfer fluid, while increasing the turbulence of said fluid, which contributes to particularly effective cooling of the cells 3.

[0082] [Fig.7] illustrates a spacer 6 according to another embodiment. This type spacer is used for a battery pack comprising two or more adjacent columns of cells or when the housing comprises two or more battery packs placed side by side. This spacer 6 has a structure configured to be installed against the large transverse faces of two adjacent cells each belonging to a column of cells, said large faces being in the same plane. The support zone 60 has the same dimensions, or substantially the same dimensions, in length and width, as those of two large transverse faces of cells. It comprises two openwork zones 600i and 6002 which, in use, are each located at one of the large transverse faces of the cells. The two openwork zones 600i and 6002 are separated by a median rib 613 which extends in the height of the spacer 6 and which, in use, is installed between the small lateral faces of the cells and thus forms a seal between said cells.

[0083] In each openwork zone 600i and 6002 extend ribs 610 defining one or more forced circulation paths for the heat transfer fluid. In the illustrative example of [Fig.7], each zone 600i and 6002 comprises four horizontal paths. Each path of the first zone 600i is in fluid communication with a corresponding path of the second zone 6002 via orifices 614 arranged in the central rib 613.

[0084] As described previously with reference to [Fig. 6], orifices 611, 612 are provided on the spacer 6 to put the zones 600i and 6002, and more particularly their path(s), into fluid communication with the internal passages 101 b 1012, 1013 formed in the longitudinal crosspieces 100b 1002, 1003. In [Fig. 7], the orifices 611, 612 are provided in the lateral support zones 61 of the spacer 6.

[0085] In Figures 2A and 3A, the housings 10b 102 are closed in a fluid-tight manner by a common cover 4 and a bottom wall 5. These elements 4, 5 can be fixed to the crosspieces 100i, 1002, 1003, 110 by screwing, sealing joints being advantageously provided.

[0086] The cover 4 is advantageously configured to leave, in each housing 10 b 102, an air gap 41 b 412 between the internal wall of said cover and the upper part of the cells 3. This air gap makes it possible to collect and / or concentrate gases likely to be emitted by the cells in the event of failure and / or thermal runaway of one or more of them. According to one embodiment, the air gap extends over the entire length and width of the corresponding housing. Its thickness can vary from 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0087] Vent valves 41 lb 4112 are installed on the cover 4, above the housings 10b 102. Each valve is in fluid communication with one of the air blades 41b 412. These valves have the function of degassing the housings 10b 102 and / or balancing their pressure when gases are concentrated in the air blades 41b 412.

[0088] In Figures 8A and 8B, the cover 4 has recesses 41 b 412 configured to be positioned above each housing and whose depth makes it possible to form the aforementioned air blades. These recesses 41 b 412 are surrounded by edges 412 adapted to come into position in sealed contact, possibly by means of seals, against the upper face of the crosspieces 100 b 1002, 1003, 110.

[0089] Advantageously, the cover 4 has, at least at the level of the common longitudinal crosspiece 1002, one or more arrangements 413 shaped to receive electrical connection elements 8 of the battery packs, such as connectors for connecting the busbars.

[0090] The cover 4 comprising the recesses 411, 412 and the arrangements 413 is preferably obtained by molding or stamping.

[0091] According to an alternative embodiment, each housing 10i, 102 is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a dedicated cover.

[0092] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0093] Furthermore, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features disclosed only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features disclosed only in one embodiment may be generalized to other embodiments, even if that or those features are described only in combination with other features.

[0094] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for thermal regulation of a vehicle battery pack, said device comprising: - at least one first and one second adjacent housing (10b 102) configured to each receive at least one battery block (2i, 22) each composed of one or more battery cells (3), which housings are delimited by longitudinal crosspieces (100i, 1002, 1003) and transverse crosspieces (110) forming a structure ensuring the mechanical maintenance of said blocks, a common longitudinal crosspiece (1002) separating the two said housings, - a fluid circulation circuit configured so that a heat transfer fluid circulates in each housing, between the cells, to regulate them thermally, - inlet and outlet manifolds respectively for supplying and evacuating the heat transfer fluid to said / from said circulation circuit,characterized in that: - the fluid circulation circuit is defined at least in part by an internal passage (101 b 1012, 1013) shaped in each longitudinal crosspiece so that each longitudinal crosspiece forms an inlet and / or outlet manifold, - the internal passage (1012) of the common longitudinal crosspiece is shaped so as to form an inlet and / or outlet manifold which is common to the first housing and to the second housing.,

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the internal passage (1012) of the common longitudinal crosspiece (1002) has one or more openings (10112, 10122) opening into the first housing (10i) and into the second housing (102).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which: - the internal passage (1012) of the common longitudinal crosspiece (1002) has a first series of openings (10112) opening into the first housing (10i) and a second series of openings (10122) opening into the second housing (102), - each said opening is arranged to open respectively into a space separating each battery cell (3).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the internal passage (101 b 1013) of each other longitudinal crosspiece (100i, 1003) which is not common to the housings (10b 102), has one or more openings (101 lb 10113) opening into the corresponding housing.

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which each longitudinal crosspiece (100b 1002, 1003) has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped of which at least one side wall is located in one of the housings (10b 102), the opening(s) (101 lb 10113, 10112, 10122) being arranged on this side wall.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the common longitudinal crosspiece (1002) forms an inlet manifold, respectively an outlet manifold, common to the two housings (10b 102), - each other longitudinal crosspiece (100b 1003) which is not common to the housings forms an outlet manifold, respectively an inlet manifold.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which each longitudinal crosspiece (100b 1002, 1003) is formed by a hollow rigid profile delimiting the internal passage (101 b 1012, 1013) for circulation of the fluid.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the housings (10b 102) are closed in a fluid-tight manner by a common cover (4), which cover is configured to leave, in each housing, an air gap (41 b 412) between an internal wall of said cover and the upper part of the battery cells (3).

9. Device according to claim 8, in which vent valves (411 b 4112) are installed on the cover (4), above the housings (10i, 102), each valve being in fluid communication with one of the air blades (41b 412).

10. Cooling system comprising a thermal regulation device according to one of the preceding claims, and further comprising in each housing (10b 102): - one or more battery packs each comprising: • one or more adjacent battery cells (3), including two end cells each arranged at the level of a transverse crosspiece (110), • spacers (6) installed between the cells, at least two orifices (611, 612) being provided on each spacer, - the fluid circulation circuit is defined at least in part by the spacers, - the internal passage (101 b 1012, 1013) of each longitudinal crosspiece (100i, 1002, 1003) has one or more openings (10111, 10113, 10112, 10122) each opening into one of said two orifices of each spacer.

Images