Battery module or battery pack, comprising a matrix of cylindrical format accumulators articulated together by connecting rod(s) with articulation axis(es) formed by the housings of the accumulators.

Abstract

Battery module or battery pack, comprising a matrix of cylindrical accumulators articulated together by connecting rod(s) with articulation axis(es) formed by the accumulator casings. The invention relates to a battery module (M) comprising: - a plurality of accumulators (A1, A2…A24), each accumulator being rigidly packaged in the form of a cylindrical casing (6), mechanically linked to each other forming at least one group extending along a first direction (Z); - at least one rigid part (10) comprising a body (100) having two through openings (101, 102) each adapted to be fitted around a battery case (6) so that the latter constitutes an articulation axis of the part which thus forms a articulation rod between two adjacent batteries within the module along a second direction (X or Y) and / or a third direction (Y or X), transverse to the first direction.Figure for the abridged version: fig.9.

Description

Title of the invention: Battery module or battery pack, comprising a matrix of cylindrical format accumulators articulated together by connecting rod(s) with articulation axis(es) formed by the housings of the accumulators. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical accumulators, and more particularly to metal-ion accumulators.

[0002] The invention aims primarily to provide a solution to enable conformability of accumulators arranged in a matrix within a module or battery pack, so that the matrix can conform to a complex volume and / or adapt to a structural volume that may deform during operation.

[0003] Although described with reference to a Lithium-ion battery, the invention applies to any metal-ion electrochemical battery, i.e. also sodium-ion, Magnesium-ion, Aluminium-ion batteries...or more generally to any electrochemical battery.

[0004] A module or battery pack according to the invention can be on-board or stationary. For example, the fields of electric and hybrid transportation and grid-connected storage systems can be considered within the scope of the invention. Prior art

[0005] As schematically illustrated in figures 1 and 2, a lithium-ion battery or accumulator usually comprises at least one electrochemical cell consisting of an electrolyte constituent 1 between a positive electrode or cathode 2 and a negative electrode or anode 3, a current collector 4 connected to the cathode 2, a current collector 5 connected to the anode 3 and finally, a package 6 arranged to contain the electrochemical cell with sealing while being traversed by a part of the current collectors 4, 5.

[0006] The architecture of conventional lithium-ion batteries comprises an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. Several types of conventional architectural geometry are known:

[0007] - a cylindrical geometry as disclosed in the patent application US2006 / 0121348,

[0008] - a prismatic geometry as disclosed in US patents 7348098, US 7338733;

[0009] - a stacking geometry as disclosed in the patent applications US2008 / 060189, US 2008 / 0057392, and US patent 7335448.

[0010] The electrolyte component 1 may be in solid, liquid, or gel form. In the latter form, the component may include a polymer, ceramic, or microporous composite separator impregnated with organic or ionic liquid electrolyte(s) that allows the lithium ion to move from the cathode to the anode for charging and vice versa for discharging, thereby generating the current. The electrolyte is generally a mixture of organic solvents, for example, carbonates, to which a lithium salt, typically LiPF6, is added.

[0011] The positive electrode or cathode 2 is made of lithium cation insertion materials which are generally composite, such as LiFePO4, LiCoO2, LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O 2*

[0012] The negative electrode or anode 3 is very often made of graphite carbon or Li4TiO5O12 (titanate material), possibly also silicon-based or silicon-based composite.

[0013] The current collector 4 connected to the positive electrode is generally made of aluminum.

[0014] The current collector 5 connected to the negative electrode is generally made of copper, nickel-plated copper or aluminum.

[0015] A lithium-ion battery or accumulator can obviously comprise a plurality of electrochemical cells which are stacked one on top of the other.

[0016] Traditionally, a Li-ion battery or accumulator uses a pair of materials at the anode and cathode enabling it to operate at a high voltage level, typically equal to 3.6 Volts.

[0017] Depending on the type of application targeted, the aim is to produce either a thin and flexible lithium-ion battery or a rigid battery: the packaging is then either flexible or rigid and in the latter case constitutes a kind of casing.

[0018] Flexible packaging is usually made from a multilayer composite material, consisting of a stack of aluminum layers covered by one or more polymer film(s) laminated by bonding.

[0019] Rigid packaging is used when the applications are demanding where a long service life is required, for example with much higher pressures to withstand and a stricter level of sealing required, typically less than 10⁸ mbar.l / s, or in highly demanding environments such as the aeronautical or space sector.

[0020] Also, to date a rigid packaging used consists of a metal case, typically made of stainless steel (316L or 304 stainless steel) or aluminum (Al 1050 or Al 3003), or even titanium.

[0021] The geometry of most rigid Li-ion battery packaging cases It is cylindrical because most electrochemical cells in batteries are wound by winding in a cylindrical geometry around a cylindrical mandrel. Prismatic casing shapes have also been produced by winding around a prismatic mandrel.

[0022] One type of rigid cylindrical case, usually manufactured for a high-capacity Li-ion battery, is illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0023] A rigid prismatic-shaped case is also shown in [Fig.4].

[0024] The housing 6 comprises a cylindrical side casing 7, a bottom 8 at one end, a cover 9 at the other end, the bottom 8 and the cover 9 being assembled to the casing 7. The cover 9 supports the current output poles or terminals 4, 5. One of the output terminals (poles), for example the negative terminal 5 is welded to the cover 9 while the other output terminal, for example the positive terminal 4, passes through the cover 9 with the interposition of a seal not shown which electrically isolates the positive terminal 4 from the cover.

[0025] The type of rigid housing widely manufactured also consists of a stamped cup and a lid, welded together around their periphery. In contrast, current collectors include a through-hole with a portion protruding from the top of the housing, forming a terminal also called the exposed battery pole.

[0026] A battery pack P consists of a variable number of accumulators, which can reach several thousand, that are electrically connected in series or in parallel with each other and generally by connection bars, usually called busbars.

[0027] For reasons of volume compactness, it is chosen to use assemblies of X accumulators in parallel and Y in series, a mechanical integration of cylindrical geometry accumulators with rigid case 6 covered with an insulating film within a module or battery pack widely adopted is that illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0028] In this integration, the accumulators Al, A2...A42 are arranged in parallel geometrically relative to each other, in physical contact by their housing 6 covered with an insulating film, and in a staggered arrangement forming a matrix which extends along the Z direction. A staggered arrangement allows for a high energy density.

[0029] The assembly of this matrix is ​​most often done by gluing the Al, A2...A42 accumulators together.

[0030] Although due to the dimensional tolerances of each accumulator and those of the bonding process, the overall dimensions Lx and Ly respectively along the X and Y directions orthogonal to the Z direction may vary from one matrix to another, each matrix forms a rigid assembly in all directions X, Y, Z.

[0031] Patent EP1770804 describes an arrangement along two inclined directions of two groups of accumulators electrically connected to each other by busbars preformed according to the imposed inclination.

[0032] Patent EP2251921 proposes to preform the accumulators according to a portion of a circular arc, so as to create a matrix curved according to the predetermined arc.

[0033] Neither of these two solutions allows a matrix made with standard shape accumulators to conform to a complex shape volume, since they require the creation of preforms adapted only to the specific implantation need (arrangement along two inclined directions, arc of a circle).

[0034] Patent application CN2179903367 discloses a plurality of button cell batteries arranged on a flexible surface, giving the assembly a certain degree of flexibility. This flexibility is therefore specific to button cells of reduced size and electrical performance.

[0035] Patent EP2950366 discloses a battery matrix with series electrical connections and one degree of freedom that appears to allow a variable angle between two adjacent batteries. The conformability of this matrix is ​​therefore very limited and requires specific connections.

[0036] There is therefore a need for a solution which allows conformability to complex shaped volumes of standard cylindrical format accumulator matrix within a battery module or battery pack, while maintaining reliable and simple-to-implement electrical connections between accumulators.

[0037] The aim of the invention is to meet at least part of this need. Description of the invention

[0038] To this end, the invention relates, in one of its aspects, to a battery module comprising:

[0039] - a plurality of accumulators, each accumulator being in rigid packaging under the cylindrical-shaped casing, mechanically linked to each other to form at least one group extending along a first direction (Z);

[0040] - at least one rigid part comprising a body provided with two openings slopes adapted each to be fitted around an accumulator housing so that the latter constitutes an articulation axis of the part which thus forms an articulation rod between two adjacent accumulators within the module in a second direction (X or Y) and / or a third direction (Y or X), transverse to the first direction.

[0041] According to one embodiment, an accumulator housing is fitted into a through-opening of the connecting rod, either directly with adjustment or indirectly with the interposition of a casing, preferably made of electrically insulating material, attached to the housing.

[0042] According to an advantageous configuration, at least one of the accumulator housings of the matrix forms a common articulation axis for at least two connecting rods, one of the two connecting rods being articulated with a first adjacent accumulator housing, the other of the two connecting rods being articulated with a second adjacent accumulator housing, separate from the first.

[0043] According to another advantageous configuration, at least one of the accumulator housings of the matrix forms a common articulation axis for at least two connecting rods with the same adjacent accumulator housing.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the module includes a spacer in the form of a hollow cylinder, fitted around the accumulator housing arranged between the two connecting rods.

[0045] According to another advantageous configuration, the module comprises a single group of accumulators arranged in line, each accumulator within the group being articulated by at least two connecting rods with two adjacent accumulators, while the two end accumulators of the line are articulated with a single adjacent accumulator.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the accumulators can be arranged in a matrix comprising at least two groups of at least two accumulators, within each of which the accumulators are rigidly connected to each other by at least one fixing flange, the two groups being articulated to each other by at least one articulation rod.

[0047] According to this method, the accumulators of a group can be linked by two fixing flanges, one of which is arranged at one end of the accumulators and the other is arranged at the other end of the accumulators.

[0048] The two groups can be articulated together by at least two connecting rods carried by two separate accumulators, so as to be able to deform the general shape of the matrix according to at least two different quadrilaterals.

[0049] According to an advantageous variant, a fixing flange linking a number of n accumulators has a general shape of a number equal to n-1 contiguous eights, the linking part connecting two contiguous eights having at least one cylindrical portion of shape complementary to that of a cylindrical accumulator.

[0050] Advantageously, the body of a connecting rod has a general figure-eight shape, the connecting part linking the two openings at the ends of the figure-eight having at least one cylindrical outer portion of a shape complementary to that of a cylindrical accumulator housing.

[0051] According to an advantageous embodiment, the module may include at least one means for returning from an articulated position to another articulated position by the connecting rod(s), the return means being constituted by a spring, in particular a tension spring.

[0052] Preferably, one end of a tension spring is fixed to a mounting flange of an accumulator group, the other end of said tension spring being fixed to a mounting flange of an adjacent accumulator group.

[0053] According to another advantageous embodiment, the module comprises at least one mechanical locking means in a position articulated by the connecting rod(s). According to this embodiment, the locking means preferably comprises at least one permanent magnet integral with at least one accumulator and / or the articulating connecting rod and / or the fixing flange.

[0054] Preferably also, the connecting part houses at least one permanent magnet so that in the mechanically locked position the connecting part fits the casing of an accumulator.

[0055] According to an advantageous electrical configuration, at least part of the accumulators is electrically connected in series and / or in parallel permanently by electrical links adapted to deform between the extreme articulated positions between accumulators in the second direction (X or Y) and / or the third direction (Y or X).

[0056] Preferably, the electrical connections are wires or metal ribbons welded by bridging to the output terminals of the accumulators.

[0057] Thus, the invention essentially consists of mechanically assembling at least one part of a plurality of cylindrical format accumulators with at least one part forming a connecting rod of which each of the two axes of rotation is constituted by the cylindrical casing of an accumulator.

[0058] In other words, a rotation or pivoting of the connecting rod allows a displacement of an accumulator relative to at least one adjacent accumulator along one and / or the other of the transverse directions (X,Y) to the direction (Z) in which the accumulators extend.

[0059] In other words, with connecting rods whose axes of rotation are defined by the cylindrical accumulator housings themselves, an assembly of accumulators in a matrix or in line transverse to the direction (Z) is made deformable, while maintaining a high rigidity of assembly between them.

[0060] Regardless of the possible deformation by the connecting rods within the plurality of accumulators, their mechanical assembly is preserved.

[0061] And because of the fixed lengths of the connecting rods, all distances between adjacent accumulators can be kept constant, which allows reliable and easily achievable electrical connections to be maintained.

[0062] These electrical connections can also be permanent and withstand deformations between extreme articulated positions and / or be established as soon as predefined articulated positions are reached. This makes it possible to create electrical connections that are implemented as a plurality of accumulators, articulated together by connecting rods in a non-rectilinear shape, are inserted.

[0063] In conclusion, the invention offers numerous advantages, including: - the ability to adapt the shape of a module or battery pack to volumes of complex shapes, predefined or variable depending on the environment; - the ability for a module or battery pack to follow the movements of a housing and / or support structure, which is subjected to an environment with severe deformation and / or vibration constraints; - the possibility of inserting a module or battery pack into a non-rectilinear shaped housing; - quick and easy disassembly for the purpose of replacing a faulty accumulator within a module or battery pack, only the operations of removing the faulty accumulator from a connecting rod and reinserting a new accumulator within a connecting rod may be sufficient; - safety during the establishment of electrical connections of a module or battery pack which is done as it is inserted into a non-rectilinear shape which may be inaccessible to an operator.

[0064] For an application to a Li-ion module or battery pack, each accumulator is a Li-ion accumulator in which: - the negative electrode material(s) is chosen from the group including graphite, lithium, titanate oxide Li4TiO5Oi2; - the positive electrode material(s) is chosen from the group including LiFePO4, LiCoCl LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2.

[0065] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of examples of implementation of the invention given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the following figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0066] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the different elements of a lithium-ion battery.

[0067] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view showing a lithium-ion battery with its flexible packaging according to the state of the art.

[0068] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery with its rigid packaging consisting of a cylindrical case.

[0069] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery with its rigid packaging consisting of a prismatically shaped case.

[0070] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a plurality of cylindrical lithium-ion accumulators pre-assembled together according to the state of the art, forming a matrix intended for a battery module or battery pack.

[0071] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] takes up [Fig.5] by indicating the overall lengths of the matrix along two orthogonal directions X, Y.

[0072] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a battery pack module with a cylindrical accumulator matrix whose general shape can be deformed according to the invention.

[0073] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a part forming a connecting rod between two adjacent accumulators whose cylindrical casings constitute the connecting rod's articulation axes according to the invention.

[0074] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows the deformed matrix in a different articulated position than that of [Fig.7] obtained by the connecting rods according to the invention.

[0075] [Fig.1OA], [Fig.1OB], [Fig.1OC], [Fig.1OD], [Fig.1OE], [Fig.1OF], [Fig.1OG], [Fig.1OH], [Fig. 101] Figures 10A to 101 show different possible deformed shapes that the same matrix of 118 or 24 accumulators can take thanks to the connecting rods within the matrix.

[0076] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a photographic reproduction of a first variant of electrical connections between accumulators of the same matrix according to the invention, made by welding by wire wiring.

[0077] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a photographic reproduction of a second variant of electrical connections between accumulators of the same matrix according to the invention, made by wire wiring welding.

[0078] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] schematically shows a conformation of a deformable matrix according to the invention to a volume of complex shape.

[0079] [Fig. 14], [Fig. 14A] Figures 14 and 14A are schematic views showing a deformable matrix according to the invention supported by a support structure before and during deformations undergone by the structure in its environment.

[0080] [Fig.15A], [Fig.15B], [Fig.15C] Figures 15A to 15C show the different deformations that an accumulator matrix according to the invention can take when inserted into a non-rectilinear shape.

[0081] [Fig. 16], [Fig.10A] Figures 16 and 16A show two possible deformed shapes that a number of 8 accumulators arranged in a line can take thanks to the connecting rods within the matrix.

[0082] [Fig. 17], [Fig. 17A] Figures 17 and 17A show two possible deformed forms that a matrix of accumulators with several connecting rods per accumulator can take thanks to these rods within the matrix.

[0083] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a photographic reproduction of a deformable matrix according to the invention incorporating means for returning groups of accumulators to a so-called rest position relative to each other, when they are in an articulated position.

[0084] [Fig. 19] The [Fig. 19] is a perspective view of a variant of a connecting rod incorporating a permanent magnet as a means of mechanically locking an accumulator in an articulated position.

[0085] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a photographic reproduction of a deformable matrix according to the invention and of busbars as electrical connections between accumulators of the matrix.

[0086] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] reproduces the deformable matrix according to the invention and the busbars of the [Fig.20], part of which is welded to output terminals of part of the accumulators of the matrix and some of whose electrical contacts are not in contact with the output terminals of another part of the accumulators of the matrix, in an undeformed position of the matrix.

[0087] [Fig.21A], [Fig.21B], [Fig.21C] Figures 21A to 21C show different configurations contact figures made between the electrical contacts of the busbars and the output terminals of a part of the accumulators of the matrix according to [Fig.21], depending on the deformed positions of the latter.

[0088] [Fig.22], [Fig.22A] Figures 22 and 22A are photographic reproductions of a deformable matrix according to the invention and of a variant busbars as electrical connections between accumulators of the matrix, respectively with the electrical contacts not then in contact with the output terminals of another part of the accumulators of the matrix, in a respectively undeformed and deformed position of the matrix.

[0089] [Fig.23A], [Fig.23B], [Fig.23C], [Fig.23D] Figures 23A to 23D show schematically, the electrical connections that are effective as a deformable busbar matrix is ​​inserted into a non-rectilinear shape, with the electrical contacts progressively coming into contact with the output terminals of a portion of the accumulators. Detailed description

[0090] Figures 1 to 6 relate to different examples of Li-ion accumulators, flexible packaging and accumulator housings as well as an accumulator matrix for a battery pack module according to the state of the art.

[0091] Figures 1 to 6 have already been discussed in the preamble and are therefore not discussed further below.

[0092] For the sake of clarity, the same references designating the same elements according to the prior art and according to the invention are used for all figures 1 to 23D.

[0093] In the application as a whole, a battery module is a plurality of cylindrical accumulators arranged in a matrix or along a line, defined in a position relative to an orthogonal XYZ frame constituting a trihedron, comprising three axes perpendicular to each other in pairs, namely:

[0094] - an X-axis, defining a transverse direction,

[0095] - a Y-axis, defining a transverse direction, which together with the X-axis defines a plane XY,

[0096] - a Z-axis, defining a longitudinal direction, perpendicular to the XY plane, and de ending the general direction in which the accumulators extend, that is to say the main direction of the cylindrical shapes of the accumulators

[0097] Throughout this application, the terms "lower", "upper", "bottom", "top", "below" and "above" are to be understood by reference to vertically arranged Li-ion battery cases.

[0098] An example of module M of a Li-ion, Al, A2,...,A12 battery pack arranged in a matrix according to the invention is shown in [Fig.7].

[0099] In the illustrated examples, the A1-A24 batteries shown are cylindrical 6-case batteries, typically in 18650, 21700, 26650, 4680 format.

[0100] The accumulators A1-A12 are arranged in a matrix. In the illustrated examples, the number of accumulators arranged in a matrix can be up to 24, but it is understood that a lower or higher number is suitable within the scope of the invention.

[0101] The accumulators are mechanically linked to each other, forming several groups which extend along a first direction (Z).

[0102] According to the invention, at least one rigid part 10 is arranged in the die. Such a connecting rod 10 is shown more precisely in [Fig. 8]: it consists of a body 100 having two through openings 101, 102. A connecting rod 10 is typically made of ABS, PA, PC, or PEEK type polymer.

[0103] Each of these openings 101, 102 is adapted to be fitted around a battery casing 6 so that the latter constitutes a pivot point for the part 10. In the illustrated example, the connecting rod 10 has a general figure-eight shape with the outer profiles of the central portion of the body being cylindrical with a diameter substantially equal to that of a cylindrical battery casing 6. This allows for good compactness of the die.

[0104] A connecting rod is thus formed between two adjacent accumulators within the module along a second direction (X or Y) and / or a third direction (Y or X), transverse to the first direction (Z). In other words, the implementation of connecting rods 10 within the matrix makes it deformable along the X and Y directions.

[0105] A connecting rod 10 can therefore be in direct contact with the metal housing 6, or with an electrically insulating sheath or with any other enclosure arranged around the housing,

[0106] Furthermore, for the mechanical connection, each group of accumulators is bonded to at least one mounting flange 11, 12. A mounting flange 11, 12 is typically made of ABS, PA, PC, PEEK type polymer.

[0107] In the illustrated example, a group consists of three side-by-side accumulators mechanically linked by at least one fixing flange 11, 12.

[0108] As shown in the mode of [Fig.7], each accumulator group is advantageously glued to an upper flange 11 and a lower flange 12, which are respectively arranged around the upper and lower ends of the accumulators.

[0109] A flange 11, 12 that connects n accumulators advantageously has a general shape of n-1 contiguous figure eights, the connecting portion linking two contiguous figure eights having at least one cylindrical outer portion with a shape complementary to that of a cylindrical accumulator. This allows for good compactness of the array by permitting staggered positioning of the accumulators. In the illustrated example, a flange 11, 12 connecting three side-by-side accumulators has a general shape of a double figure eight.

[0110] To keep the connecting rods 10 in position along the Z direction, one can use for example stop rings 13 individually fitted around the accumulators whose housing 6 serves as the pivot axis of a connecting rod 10.

[0111] Thus, in the module, the accumulators of each group are rigidly linked together by the flanges 11, 12 and the groups are articulated together by at least one articulation rod 10 which ensures a connection between the groups.

[0112] In the illustrated example, within the module two adjacent groups of accumulators are articulated together by two pairs of connecting rods 10.

[0113] As shown, the arrangement of the groups with respect to each other is preferably carried out so that the positive output terminals 4 of accumulators of one group and the negative output terminals 5 of an adjacent group are on the same longitudinal side of the module M, along the Z direction.

[0114] Thus, in module M of [Fig.7], two groups of accumulators linked by connecting rods 10 form an articulated quadrilateral, and the set of groups linked together thus form a matrix deformable by joints, in which the distances between two adjacent accumulators remain constant.

[0115] Fig. 9 represents the same matrix as that illustrated in Fig. 7, but deformed in another articulated position.

[0116] Figures 10A to 101 illustrate different articulated positions that a deformable matrix with 18 or 24 accumulators distributed in groups articulated with each other by two pairs of connecting rods 10 can take. Each group consists of three accumulators linked together by flanges 11, 12.

[0117] In particular, Figures 10E, 10F, 10G, illustrate three different deformation configurations in which the articulated matrix takes articulated positions adapted to the surrounding walls PI, P2, P3.

[0118] In these same figures, we see an advantageous variant of retaining the connecting rods 10: a spacer 14 fitted with free rotation around an accumulator maintains constant the separation height between an upper connecting rod 10 and a lower connecting rod 10.

[0119] Figures 11 and 12 show an advantageous variant of the realization of permanent electrical connections 15, 16 between accumulators within the same group or of different groups articulated together.

[0120] These electrical connections 15, 16 between accumulators are chosen so as to be able to deform during a rotation, typically of a few tens of degrees, of connecting rods 10. As illustrated, these electrical connections 15, 16 are preferably made in the form of metal wires directly welded to the output terminals 4 or 5 of the accumulators. These wire connections can advantageously be made by bridging welding, also called in English "wire bonding" or "ribbon bonding". Care is taken, of course, to size these wire connections to withstand the electrical stresses, typically to allow the passage of a current of a few amperes for series connections, and the mechanical stresses, in particular the fatigue due to the repeated articulation of one accumulator relative to another.

[0121] Different application purposes can be envisaged for a module with a deformable matrix by connecting rods 10.

[0122] Figure 13 illustrates the ability of a module M with three groups of accumulators Gl, G2, G3 to conform to a complexly shaped housing L1. This configuration is typically encountered in the case of a retrofit of an internal combustion engine vehicle.

[0123] Figures 14 and 14A illustrate the ability of a module M according to the invention to deform by means of connecting rods and thus to conform to the shape of a support structure S that may undergo significant deformations in its environment. Therefore, the module M is not subjected to significant mechanical stresses that could damage it. Furthermore, it does not alter the flexibility of the supporting structure S, if such flexibility is desirable.

[0124] Figures 15A, 15B, 15C illustrate the progressive insertion of a module M according to the invention into a non-rectilinear housing L2, made possible by the articulation rods. This allows for the design of housings with more complex geometries than when using rigid modules according to the prior art.

[0125] Instead of linking accumulators in groups and arranging them in a matrix, a module M can be realized in linear form, as illustrated in Figures 16 and 16A, which show two different articulated positions of the module, one in which it is one in which it is not straight and the other in which it is not straight. In this module, there is therefore a single group of accumulators arranged in line, each accumulator being articulated by at least two connecting rods 10 with two adjacent accumulators, while the two end accumulators of the line are articulated with a single adjacent accumulator.

[0126] In general, each accumulator can serve as the pivot axis of at least one connecting rod. In the preceding illustrated examples, each accumulator serves as the pivot axis of two pairs of connecting rods 10.

[0127] Matrices with more degrees of freedom can be created by increasing the number of connecting rods 10 that share an accumulator as a common axis of rotation. For example, in Figures 17 and 17A, the accumulators shown in the third and fourth rows from the bottom of the figures serve as the axis of rotation for three pairs of connecting rods 10.

[0128] Figure 18 illustrates an advantageous variant of returning the module matrix to a so-called rest position. In this variant, the accumulator groups are connected to each other by return springs. More specifically, the end of at least one tension spring 17 is fixed to a flange 11 of one group, and the other end of the same spring 17 is fixed to the flange 11 of an adjacent group in the matrix. Thus, with the restoring force exerted by these tension springs 17, the accumulator matrix is ​​returned from a hinged position to its rest position.

[0129] A mechanical locking of a module M in an articulated position can also be provided. This mechanical locking can, for example, be achieved by means of permanent magnets.

[0130] Figure 19 illustrates an advantageous alternative arrangement of a permanent magnet 18 in the central portion of the body 100 of a connecting rod 10. Thus, when the connecting rod 10 approaches an adjacent accumulator, the permanent magnet 18 creates a hold in position against the metal casing 6 of this adjacent accumulator. An alternative, not shown, is to integrate the magnet into the mounting flange of a group.

[0131] Electrical connections between groups of accumulators can be envisaged which are not permanent but made according to the articulated positions of the matrix.

[0132] Fig. 20 illustrates a matrix module M as in Figures 10A to 10G with a set B of busbars Bl, B2, B3 adapted to make the desired electrical connections according to the articulated positions.

[0133] Each of the busbars Bl, B2, B3 includes electrical contact points 19 which are welded directly to one of the output terminals of the same group of accumulators, for example the positive terminal 4, and electrical contact points 20 electrically connected to each other and to the electrical contact points 19 which are free, i.e. not welded to the output terminals of the accumulators.

[0134] In the articulated position of [Fig.21], in which the matrix has a general shape of a right parallelepiped, all the electrical contact points 19 of each busbar B1 to B3 are welded to the negative terminals 5 of a group of accumulators and the electrical contact points 20 are away from the positive terminals 4 of each group of adjacent accumulators.

[0135] In the articulated position of [Fig.21A], a single electrical connection in series is made by means of the busbar B3 whose electrical contact points 20 are in direct contact individually with the positive output terminal 4 of a battery of the group adjacent to that whose negative output terminal 5 is welded to a contact point 19. The electrical contact points 20 of the other busbars Bl, B2 are away from the positive output terminals 4 of the batteries.

[0136] In the articulated position of [Fig.21B], the same single electrical connection in series is made by means of the busbar B3 but in a different articulated position of the matrix.

[0137] In the articulated position of [Fig.21C], three electrical connections in series are made by means of the busbars B1, B2, B3, whose electrical contact points 20 are individually in direct contact with the positive output terminal 4 of an accumulator of the group adjacent to that whose negative output terminal 5 is welded to a contact point 19.

[0138] Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment of both the busbars B4 and B5 and the series electrical connection between two adjacent groups of batteries. The busbar B4 comprises only one unwelded electrical contact point 20 electrically connected to the electrically connected contact points 19 individually welded to the negative output terminals 5 of a group of batteries. The busbar B5 comprises only electrically connected contact points 19 individually welded to the positive output terminals 4 of the adjacent group of batteries.

[0139] As illustrated in [Fig.22A], an articulation at a certain angle of rotation in the XY plane of a group carrying the busbar B4 relative to the adjacent group carrying the busbar B5 brings the electrical contact point 20 of B4 into direct contact with one of the welded electrical contact points 19 of B5, which creates the series connection of the two adjacent groups of accumulators.

[0140] This possibility of electrical connection depending on the deformation of the matrix of a module M can be used when inserting into a housing of complex shape, in particular a non-rectilinear shape.

[0141] This is illustrated in Figures 23A to 23D, where a module M, which can be deformed by means of the connecting rods 10 within it as it is inserted into a non-rectilinear housing L3, progressively makes electrical connections within itself and, where applicable, with an external output terminal C, the part of matrix Mi being connected.

[0142] The invention is not limited to the examples just described; in particular, features of the illustrated examples can be combined in unillustrated variants.

[0143] Other variants and improvements may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0144] The number of connecting rods for which a single accumulator serves as an axis of rotation can be adapted according to the constraints of implantation and / or articulated positions that one wishes to give to a battery module M.

[0145] The positive output terminals 4 and negative output terminals 5 of the accumulators within a module M can be connected together, in order to electrically connect the different accumulators in series and / or parallel in groups.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery module (M) comprising: - a plurality of accumulators (Al, A2...A24), each accumulator being rigidly packaged in the form of a cylindrical case (6), mechanically linked to each other forming at least one group extending along a first direction (Z); - at least one rigid part (10) comprising a body (100) having two through openings (101, 102) each adapted to be fitted around an accumulator case (6) so that the latter constitutes an axis of articulation of the part which thus forms a connecting rod between two adjacent accumulators within the module along a second direction (X or Y) and / or a third direction (Y or X), transverse to the first direction.

2. Battery module according to claim 1, an accumulator housing being fitted into a through-opening of a connecting rod, either directly with adjustment or indirectly with the interposition of a casing, preferably made of electrically insulating material, attached to the housing.

3. Battery module according to claim 1 or 2, at least one of the accumulator housings of the matrix forming a common articulation axis to at least two articulation rods, one of the two rods being articulated with a first adjacent accumulator housing, the other of the two rods being articulated with a second adjacent accumulator housing, distinct from the first.

4. Battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, at least one of the accumulator housings of the matrix forming a common articulation axis to at least two articulation rods with the same adjacent accumulator housing.

5. Battery module according to any one of claims 3 or 4, comprising a spacer in the form of a hollow cylinder, fitted around the accumulator housing arranged between the two connecting rods.

6. Battery module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a single group of accumulators arranged in line, each accumulator within the group being articulated by at least two connecting rods with two adjacent accumulators, while the two end accumulators of the line being articulated with a single adjacent accumulator.

7. Battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, the accumulators being arranged in a matrix comprising at least two groups of at least two accumulators, within each of which the accumulators are rigidly connected to each other by at least one fixing flange, the two groups being articulated to each other by at least one articulation rod.

8. Battery module according to claim 7, the accumulators of a group being linked by two fixing flanges, one of which is arranged at one end of the accumulators and the other is arranged at the other end of the accumulators.

9. Battery module according to claim 7 or 8, the two groups being articulated together by at least two connecting rods carried by two separate accumulators, so as to be able to deform the general shape of the matrix according to at least two different quadrilaterals.

10. Battery module according to any one of claims 7 to 9, a fixing flange connecting a number of n accumulators having a general shape of a number equal to n-1 contiguous eights, the connecting part linking two contiguous eights having at least one cylindrical portion of shape complementary to that of a cylindrical accumulator.

11. Battery module according to claim 10, the body of a connecting rod having a general figure-eight shape, the connecting part linking the two openings at the ends of the figure-eight having at least one cylindrical outer portion of a shape complementary to that of a cylindrical accumulator case.

12. Battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one means for returning from an articulated position to another articulated position by the connecting rod(s).

13. Battery module according to claim 12, the return means being constituted by a spring, in particular a tension spring.

14. Battery module according to claim 13 in combination with any one of claims 7 to 10, one end of a tension spring being fixed to a mounting flange of a battery pack, the other end of said tension spring being fixed to a mounting flange of an adjacent battery pack.

15. Battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one mechanical locking means in a position articulated by the connecting rod(s).

16. Battery module according to claim 15, the locking means comprising at least one permanent magnet integral with at least one accumulator and / or the connecting rod and / or the fixing flange.

17. Battery module according to claim 16, the connecting part housing at least one permanent magnet so that, in the mechanically locked position, the connecting part fits the casing of a battery.

18. Battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, at least a portion of the accumulators being electrically connected in series and / or in parallel permanently by electrical links adapted to deform between the extreme articulated positions between accumulators in the second direction (X or Y) and / or the third direction (Y or X).

19. Battery module according to claim 18, the electrical connections being wires or metal ribbons welded by bridging to the output terminals of the accumulators.

20. Battery module according to any one of the preceding claims, each accumulator being a Li-ion accumulator in which: - the negative electrode material(s) is selected from the group comprising graphite, lithium, titanate oxide Li4TiO5Oi2; the positive electrode material(s) is selected from the group comprising LiFePO4, LiCoO2, LiNi0.33Mn0.33Co0.33O2.

Images