Simplified architecture cell battery assembly facilitating the replacement of internal components, for a system

Abstract

A battery cell assembly (BCI) equips a system and comprises modules (MC) containing electrical energy storage cells, secured by first screws (V1) to crossbars (TB) separating them. A cooling device (DR) is installed beneath these crossbars, positioned above a protective plate (PP). Each module (MC) has two ends, each equipped with two connection terminals (BOC) connected to corresponding connection terminals (BOC) of neighboring modules (MC) via inter-module conductive lines (LC) secured by second screws (V2). A power board, to which the cells are coupled, establishes a zero voltage difference between the connection terminals (BOC) when not in operation. This allows the module (MC) to be removed by unscrewing the corresponding first (V1) and second (V2) screws, after the cooling device (DR) and protective plate (PP) have been moved. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: SIMPLIFIED ARCHITECTURAL CELLULAR BATTERY ASSEMBLY FACILITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF INTERNAL COMPONENTS, FOR A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to assemblies (or "packs") of cellular batteries suitable for equipping systems, and more specifically to the architectures of such assemblies (or packs). State of the art

[0002] Certain systems, such as for example certain vehicles (possibly of the automotive or railway type or even all-terrain (or "off road")) or certain mobile machines (or devices) (possibly lifting), include at least one set (or pack) of cellular battery comprising at least three modules each comprising at least two electrical energy storage cells.

[0003] Here, "electrical energy storage cell" means a rechargeable and possibly electrochemical cell (for example, of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).

[0004] In some of these assemblies, the modules (cells) are fixedly joined by first screws to crossbars which separate them and under which a cooling device is installed (such as plates between which a cooling circuit is defined in which a refrigerant circulates), placed above a protective plate.

[0005] Currently, the electrical architectures of the aforementioned systems, and in particular of vehicles, include a set of electronic power boxes allowing the DC current / voltage torque delivered by the cellular battery to be adapted to the specificities of the system's electrical power components and to the system's on-board network, as well as possibly ensuring compatibility with an electrical network external to the system.

[0006] For example, in a vehicle, when the cellular battery is of the 450 V type, it delivers a direct current voltage at its terminals of between approximately 260 V and 450 V, depending on its state of charge. When the vehicle is stationary, the cellular battery is isolated from the vehicle's electrical "power" network by the opening of relays. Currently, within the cellular battery assembly (or pack), when the vehicle is not running, a voltage remains at the terminals of its cellular battery. The voltage is always between approximately 260V and 450V, making any intervention within the system very delicate and therefore requiring a qualified and authorized technician. It should be noted that the higher the voltage of the cellular battery, the more potentially dangerous the intervention will be.

[0007] Currently, the aforementioned technicians are rare and generally located in specialized facilities, which are themselves scarce. Consequently, when a module fails, it is necessary, for safety reasons, to remove the entire cellular battery assembly of which it is a part, and then transport it to a specialized facility where it will be opened and the faulty module (at least) replaced. It is understandable that the time required for this removal, combined with this transport and intervention, and then all the reverse operations, is lengthy (typically one month) and necessitates appropriate logistics (sometimes over long distances and therefore with a significant carbon footprint). Furthermore, the overall cost of the repair is high.Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle, it becomes immobilized in a garage and therefore, in order not to penalize its user, it must be replaced by a courtesy vehicle, which requires having enough available and incurs additional costs.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0009] It proposes in particular for this purpose a set of cellular battery suitable for equipping a system and comprising at least three modules each comprising at least two electrical energy storage cells, and fixedly secured by first screws to cross members separating them and under which is installed a cooling device placed above a protective plate.

[0010] This battery assembly is characterized in that each module has two opposite ends, each equipped with:

[0011] - of two connection terminals respectively connected to connection terminals corresponding to neighboring modules via inter-module conductive lines fixed together by second screws, and

[0012] - of a power card to which the cells are coupled and which is suitable for establishing When not in operation, there is zero voltage difference between the connection terminals to allow the module to be disassembled by unscrewing the first and second corresponding screws, after moving the cooling device and protective plate.

[0013] Thanks to this new and original architecture, a faulty module can now be quickly replaced by a technician (without any particular specialization and without special authorization), without having to completely remove the entire cellular battery assembly and without having to plan suitable logistics or the loan of a courtesy vehicle.

[0014] The battery assembly according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - it may comprise a structure to which the device is fixedly attached cooling by third screws and to which the cross members are coupled;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option, it may include a mechanism rotation drive fixedly attached to the structure and to which the cooling device is coupled in order to allow its rotation relative to the structure after unscrewing the third screws, to dismantle at least one module;

[0017] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the rotation drive mechanism can be arranged in the form of at least one hinge;

[0018] - also in the presence of the first option, the protective plate can be fixedly attached to the structure;

[0019] - it may include clamping parts in a number equal to a number of first screws and each placed below a crossbar located between two adjacent modules, each being crossed by a first corresponding screw to clamp these modules onto this crossbar;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the modules and clamping parts can be placed against the cooling device;

[0021] - each power card can define a so-called H-bridge which is placed in a state designed to establish a zero voltage difference when not in operation. In this case, the power cards can together define a distributed multilevel inverter;

[0022] - the cooling device may include an upper face oriented towards the modules and the crossbeams and equipped with a heat transfer layer;

[0023] - it may include an electrical insulation plate placed above the modules and inter-module conductive lines.

[0024] The invention also proposes a system comprising at least one set of cellular batteries of the type presented above.

[0025] For example, this system can constitute a vehicle, possibly of the automotive or railway type or even all-terrain (or off-road), or a mobile device (or apparatus). Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, a example of a vehicle including an example of an embodiment of a cellular battery assembly according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a top perspective view, an example of an embodiment of a cellular battery assembly according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top perspective view, a part of the cellular battery assembly of [Fig.2], without the inter-module cross members,

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a part of the cellular battery assembly of [Fig.2], and

[0031] [Fig. 5] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, the vehicle of [Fig. 1] after removal of the protective wall from its cellular battery assembly and rotation of the latter's cooling device. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The invention aims in particular to provide an EB cellular battery assembly intended to equip an S system and having a simplified architecture facilitating the replacement of internal elements (and in particular of (cellular) MC modules).

[0033] In what follows, the system S is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a motor vehicle, such as a car (as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 5). However, the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates to any system comprising at least one set of cellular batteries. Thus, it relates to all vehicles (land vehicles (including railway or all-terrain (or off-road) vehicles, and in particular construction equipment and trucks), maritime (or river) vehicles, or aircraft), mobile equipment (including those that perform a lifting function), devices (possibly consumer and / or mobile), installations (possibly industrial), and buildings (public or private).

[0034] Figure [1] schematically illustrates an example of a system S (here a vehicle) comprising an example of an embodiment of a cellular battery assembly EB according to the invention, installed on the underside of its body (under the passenger compartment).

[0035] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 5, a cellular battery assembly EB, according to the invention, comprises at least three (cellular) modules MC, cross members TB, inter-module conductive lines LC, first VI and second V2 screws, a cooling device DR and a protective plate PP.

[0036] The DR cooling device is installed below the MC modules and TB cross members and above the PP protective plate. For example, this DR cooling device may include plates between which a cooling circuit is defined, in which a refrigerant circulates that is not necessarily dedicated to cooling the entire cellular battery assembly EB (and in particular its cells).

[0037] Each MC module comprises at least two electrical energy storage cells. It should be noted that here, "electrical energy storage cell" means a rechargeable and possibly electrochemical cell (for example, of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) or Ni-Mh or Ni-Cd type).

[0038] For example, the MC modules can allow the EB cellular battery assembly to deliver a low voltage (typically 450 V by way of illustration) at its terminals. But it could also deliver a medium voltage or a high voltage.

[0039] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 4, the MC modules are fixedly attached by first screws VI to cross members TB that separate them. It will therefore be understood that two adjacent MC modules are attached to the same cross member TB at at least one point, and preferably several (at least two). The heads of the first screws VI are accessible from below the cell battery assembly EB, once the cooling device DR and the protective plate PP have been moved (see [Fig. 5]).

[0040] It should be noted, as illustrated in Figure 3, that each MC module can be equipped with at least one (or associated with at least one) CE electronic board responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of the cells, and in particular for determining operating parameters such as internal current and internal temperature. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the CE electronic boards are installed on the top surface of the MC modules between the two pairs of BOC connection terminals. However, this is not mandatory.

[0041] Furthermore, and as illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, each MC module has two opposite ends, each equipped with two BOC connection terminals and a CP power board.

[0042] The two BOC connection terminals at each end of an MC module are respectively connected to corresponding BOC connection terminals of neighboring MC modules via inter-module conductive lines (LC). In other words, the first BOC connection terminal of the first end of an nth MC module is connected to the second BOC connection terminal of the first end of an (nl)th MC module, and the second BOC connection terminal of this first end of the nth MC module is connected to the first BOC connection terminal of the first end of the (n+l)th MC module. Similarly, the first terminal of BOC connection of a second end of an nth MC module is connected to the second BOC connection terminal of a second end of an (nl)th MC module, and the second BOC connection terminal of this second end of the nth MC module is connected to the first BOC connection terminal of the second end of the (n+l)th MC module.

[0043] The MC modules are therefore mounted in series and the inter-module LC conductive lines, which interconnect them, define a current line which starts at the level of the MC module located furthest "upstream" and extends to the MC module located furthest "downstream" and then from the latter to the MC module located furthest upstream.

[0044] It should be noted that within a cellular battery assembly EB, there may be several (at least two) groups of modules, within each of which the MC modules are connected in series and associated with a current line (therefore, there are several (at least two) current lines). This is notably the case in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2] (indeed, there are three groups of eight MC modules, each providing three current lines).

[0045] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the inter-module conductive lines LC are fixedly attached to the modules MC by second screws V2. The heads of the second screws V2 are accessible from below the cell battery assembly EB, once the cooling device DR and the protective plate PP have been moved (see [Fig.5]).

[0046] The cells of an MC module are coupled to the CP power cards installed respectively at the two opposite ends of this MC module.

[0047] The CP power board at one end of an MC module is arranged so as to establish, when not in operation, a zero voltage difference between the BOC connection terminals at that end. This very advantageously allows disassembly of this MC module by unscrewing the first VI and second V2 corresponding screws, after moving the DR cooling device and the PP protective plate (see [Fig. 5]).

[0048] It will be understood that when the system S (here a vehicle) is no longer in operation, the voltage between the BOC connection terminals of each end of each MC module is zero, and therefore a technician can intervene to remove without electrical risk any faulty MC module from the cellular battery assembly EB, provided that he has moved the DR cooling device and the PP protection plate.

[0049] This new and original architecture is particularly advantageous because a faulty MC module can now be quickly replaced by a technician (without any special specialization or authorization), without having to completely remove the entire EB cell battery assembly and without having to plan for a Appropriate logistics or the loan of a courtesy vehicle. This results in a very significant reduction in vehicle downtime and repair costs for the after-sales service and / or the vehicle user.

[0050] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the cellular battery assembly EB may comprise a structure SB to which the cooling device DR is fixedly attached by third screws (not shown) and to which the cross members TB, which support the modules MC, are coupled. It will be understood that when replacing a module, moving the cooling device DR requires first completely unscrewing all the third screws. To allow work on the modules MC, the structure SB may take the form of a frame surrounding the modules MC, and on one inner face of which the opposite ends of the cross members TB are installed and supported, for example.

[0051] This structure SB is fixedly attached to a part of the system S, such as for example the underside of the body when it constitutes a motor vehicle.

[0052] In the presence of such a structure SB, the cell battery assembly EB may also include a rotation drive mechanism MER fixedly attached to this structure SB (for example on its lower face facing outwards), as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 5. In this case, the cooling device DR is coupled to this rotation drive mechanism MER so that it can be driven in rotation relative to the structure SB after unscrewing the third screws, to allow a technician to disassemble at least one module MC.

[0053] For example, this MER rotation drive mechanism can be arranged in the form of at least one hinge. But other types of MER rotation drive mechanisms can be used.

[0054] The use of a rotary drive mechanism MER is advantageous because it eliminates the need to disconnect the DR cooling unit from its refrigerant supply system before storing it during maintenance. However, the rotary drive mechanism MER can be omitted, but in this case, the DR cooling unit and its refrigerant supply system must be purged, unless quick-connect fittings are provided.

[0055] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the PP protective plate can be fixedly attached to the SB structure. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the PP protective plate could be fixedly attached to the system S, such as, for example, the underside of the body when it constitutes a motor vehicle. It should be noted that the PP protective plate could It can also be fixedly attached to the S system and the SB structure. In all cases, the fixed attachment can be achieved by screwing and / or clipping.

[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the cellular battery assembly EB may also include clamping pieces PB in a number equal to the number of first screws VI. In this case, each clamping piece PB is placed below a cross member TB, located between two adjacent modules MC, and is pierced by a corresponding first screw V1 to clamp these modules MC onto this cross member TB.

[0057] Thanks to these clamping pieces PB, the MC modules are fixedly attached in pairs to (and supported by) the TB cross members, which reduces the number of first screws VI used. By unscrewing the first screws VI that fixedly attach the clamping pieces PB to a faulty MC module, these clamping pieces PB and then the faulty MC module can be removed axially without the two adjacent MC modules (upstream and downstream) falling, since they are still held by other clamping pieces PB to their respective neighbors.

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the MC modules and the PB clamping parts are preferentially placed against the cooling device DR. This makes it possible to improve the cooling of the elements located inside the cellular battery assembly EB (and in particular the MC modules).

[0059] Also, for example, each CP power card can define an H-bridge which is placed in a state that establishes a zero voltage difference between the two BOC connection terminals of its MC module end when it is not operating. In this case, the CP power cards together define what can be called a distributed multilevel inverter.

[0060] It is recalled that an H-bridge is an electronic device used to control the polarity across a two-terminal device, and which comprises, for this purpose, four switching elements generally arranged in an H configuration and which may be, for example, relays or transistors. Such an H-bridge is generally controlled by means of pulse-width modulated signals, and can be switched so as to cyclically vary the polarity of the load voltage in order to constitute an inverter.

[0061] It should be noted that the state that establishes a zero voltage difference between the two BOC connection terminals can, for example, be an open, non-conducting state. However, this is not mandatory. Alternatively, this state could generate a bypass, for example, but not limited to other possibilities.

[0062] But other types of CP power card can be used provided that they allow, when not in operation, the establishment of a zero voltage difference between the two BOC connection terminals of one end of an MC module.

[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 4], the cooling device DR may include an upper face FS which is oriented towards the MC modules and the TB cross members and which is provided with a heat transfer layer (or “thermal pad”) CT. It should be noted that such a heat transfer layer CT makes it possible to homogenize the heat transfer between two surfaces, and thus to improve the cooling of the elements located inside the cell battery assembly EB (and in particular the MC modules).

[0064] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the EB cell battery assembly may also include a PIE electrical insulation plate placed above the MC modules and the LC intermodule conductive lines. This prevents the generation of short circuits and possible discharges of MC modules, for example, through capacitive effect.

[0065] In the presence of such a PIE electrical insulation plate, the CE electronic boards are preferably intercalated between the upper face of the MC modules and the PIE electrical insulation plate.

[0066] The intervention to replace an MC module can therefore take place as follows.

[0067] In a first step, a technician detaches the PP protective plate in order to move it (see [Fig.5]).

[0068] In a second step, the technician unscrews the third screws which secure the DR cooling device (here to the SB structure).

[0069] In a third step, the technician moves the DR cooling device, for example by rotating it downwards, when such rotation is permitted by the arrangement of the EB cell battery assembly.

[0070] In a fourth step, the technician can, for example, carry out a safety check to ensure that there is no voltage at the MC modules. For this purpose, a light-emitting diode (LED) can be added to each CP power board to generate photons in the presence of a voltage.

[0071] In a fifth step, the technician unscrews the second screws V2 securing the inter-module LC conductive lines to the faulty MC module that is to be removed.

[0072] In a sixth step, the technician unscrews the first screws VI securing the fixing to the cross members TB framing the faulty MC module of the relevant clamping parts PB, then removes the latter (PB) in order to remove the faulty MC module.

[0073] To install a replacement MC module, the steps described above are carried out in reverse order.

Claims

Demands

1. A cellular battery assembly (EB) suitable for equipping a system (S) and comprising at least three modules (MC), each having at least two electrical energy storage cells, and fixedly joined by first screws (VI) to cross members (TB) separating them and under which is installed a cooling device (DR) placed above a protective plate (PP), characterized in that each module (MC) has two opposite ends and each provided with i) two connection terminals (BOC) respectively connected to corresponding connection terminals (BOC) of neighboring modules (MC) via inter-module conductive lines (LC) fixedly joined by second screws (V2), and ii) a power board (CP) to which said cells are coupled and suitable for establishing a zero voltage difference between said connection terminals (BOC) when not in operation,the heads of the first screws (VI) and second screws (V2) being accessible from below the cellular battery assembly (EB) to allow disassembly of said module (MC) by unscrewing the corresponding first (VI) and second (V2) screws, after displacement of said cooling device (DR) and protective plate (PP), the assembly further comprising clamping pieces (PB) in a number equal to the number of first screws (VI) and each placed below a cross member (TB) located between two adjacent modules (MC) and each being traversed by a corresponding first screw (VI) to clamp these modules (MC) onto this cross member (TB).

2. Cellular battery assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a structure (SB) to which said cooling device (DR) is fixedly attached by third screws and to which said cross members (TB) are coupled.

3. Cellular battery assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a rotation drive mechanism (MER) fixedly attached to said structure (SB) and to which is coupled said cooling device (DR) in order to allow its rotation drive relative to said structure (SB) after unscrewing said third screws, to disassemble at least one module (MC).

4. Cell battery assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that said rotational drive mechanism (RDM) is arranged in the form of at least one hinge.

5. Cellular battery assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said protective plate (PP) is fixedly attached to said structure (SB).

6. Cellular battery assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said modules (MC) and said clamping parts (PB) are placed against said cooling device (DR).

7. Cellular battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each power card (PC) defines a so-called H-bridge placed in a state suitable for establishing said zero voltage difference, when it is out of operation, and in that said power cards (PCs) together define a distributed multilevel inverter.

8. System (S), characterized in that it comprises at least one cell battery assembly (EB) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that it constitutes a vehicle or a mobile device.

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