Filling structure

The filling structure with columns and bases addresses the need for efficient thermal regulation in battery packs by reducing dielectric fluid usage and maintaining cooling efficiency, achieving up to 70% reduction in fluid quantity.

FR3162921A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-12-05VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024005563
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-29
Publication Date
2025-12-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing thermal regulation systems for battery packs in vehicles require significant amounts of expensive dielectric fluid for cooling, and there is a need to optimize heat transfer while reducing the weight and volume of these systems.

Method used

A filling structure with columns and bases that reduce the amount of dielectric fluid needed by using them as fillers in the spaces between components, allowing for efficient fluid flow paths that maintain thermal performance.

Benefits of technology

Reduces the quantity of dielectric fluid required by up to 70% while maintaining effective heat transfer and cooling efficiency, thereby optimizing weight and performance.

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Abstract

Title: Filling Structure The invention relates to a filling structure (12) configured to be placed in an enclosure housing temperature-sensitive components (10), each component having a height (H), this enclosure being configured to receive a dielectric fluid for immersing the components. The filling structure comprises: - at least one base (24) configured to rest on a periphery of one of the temperature-sensitive components (10), - at least one column (26) connected to at least one base (24) and extending along the height of the component (10), the column (26) having a height (h) of at least 20% or at least 30% of the height (H) of the component (10), the column (26) at least partially defining a fluid passage. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4
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Description

Title of the invention: Filling structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling structure configured to be disposed within an enclosure housing temperature-sensitive components, such components being, in particular, battery cells. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a housing forming an enclosure within which such a filling structure is disposed.

[0002] It is now common practice to equip electric, internal combustion, or hybrid vehicles with temperature-sensitive components, such as electrical energy storage components or battery cells, which provide power to the various vehicle components. These components include battery cells positioned in a battery pack.

[0003] Today, car manufacturers are seeking to provide more powerful electric or hybrid vehicles with increased electric range. To achieve this, more and more battery packs, and / or increasingly larger battery packs, are being installed on these electric or hybrid vehicles.

[0004] It is understood that, during vehicle operation, battery packs can generate a significant amount of heat and therefore be subject to temperature increases that can, in some cases, cause damage or even destruction. Consequently, their cooling is essential to maintain them in good condition and thus ensure the vehicle's reliability, range, and performance. Furthermore, the operation of battery packs may be less efficient at low temperatures, as the components equipping these battery packs then require a warm-up period before operating at full capacity.

[0005] To achieve this, one or more thermal regulation devices intended to regulate the temperature of the battery packs are implemented to ensure the heating and / or cooling functions of the components inside these battery packs and thus optimize the operation of the components.

[0006] These thermal regulation devices are generally permeated by a dielectric fluid. This dielectric fluid can, depending on the requirements, either absorb the heat emitted by each battery pack in order to cool it, or supply heat if the battery pack temperature is insufficient for its proper operation. The battery cells are then immersed in the dielectric fluid.

[0007] However, the dielectric fluid is relatively expensive. Furthermore, there is a need to lighten the battery pack while optimizing heat transfer between the components and the dielectric fluid.

[0008] The present invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.

[0009] The invention thus relates to a filling structure configured to be placed in an enclosure receiving temperature-sensitive components, these components being in particular battery cells, each component having a height, this enclosure being configured to receive a dielectric fluid intended to immerse the components, the filling structure comprising:

[0010] - at least one base configured to rest on a perimeter of one of the components whose operation is sensitive to temperature,

[0011] - at least one column connecting to at least one base and extending into the direction of the height of the component, the column having a height of at least 20% or at least 30% of the height of the component, the column at least partially defining a fluid passage.

[0012] The invention makes it possible to reduce the amount of dielectric fluid required for immersion (a fluid that is expensive) by the column(s) used as a filler, particularly in the spaces between the components to be cooled, for example, the spaces between battery cells. The space occupied by the filler structure results in a correspondingly smaller quantity of dielectric fluid to be used. In the invention, the filler structure can be configured so as not to unduly impact heat transfer, or even the filler structure can direct the fluid along desired paths to better cool the components.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure includes a window defining a fluid passage, the window being adjacent to the column, this window being configured to be opposite, at least partially, a side wall of the component.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the base defines, at least partially, a slot configured for the passage of fluid.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure comprises two bases for each component, in particular for each battery cell, the bases being spaced apart from each other in the direction of the height H of the component.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the column joins one of the bases to the other of the bases.

[0017] In other words, the column extends from one of the bases to the other of the bases without interruption.

[0018] Alternatively, the column connects to a single base.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the columns has a height less than the distance between the two bases, namely the upper base and the lower base. This distance between the two bases may correspond to the maximum height of at least one of the adjacent columns.

[0020] In the case where two bases spaced apart in the direction of height are provided, the column extends from one of these bases without joining the other base.

[0021] In other words, the column has a height less than the distance between the two bases, namely the upper base and the lower base.

[0022] This can be advantageous to leave space for fluid flow in the absence of filling due to the column.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the column is configured to extend into an inter-space between the components, or into a space between a component and a wall, in particular a peripheral wall, of the enclosure, and having in cross-section dimensions chosen so that the column is distant from the component or components surrounding the column.

[0024] In other words, the column extends between the components, in particular between the battery cells, without touching the side wall of the surrounding components.

[0025] Thus, the dielectric fluid can flow in contact with the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0026] This makes it possible to maintain thermal performance despite the presence of the column in the inter-space between the components.

[0027] Alternatively, the column can be configured to come into contact with one of the components among the plurality of components that surround it.

[0028] Thus, for example, the column leaves the space between the column and some of the components clear, and for some other components (or one other component), there is contact (a support) between the column and this or these components to block the passage of fluid. This makes it possible to create a fluid path of the desired shape.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the column has facets each oriented towards a side wall of the component, in particular of the battery cell.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, in the case where the column is surrounded by three components, the column can have, in cross-section, an overall triangular shape, with slightly rounded sides to fit the shape of cylindrical battery cells.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the column comprises one or more edges configured to be in contact with the component.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the base has an arc-shaped form, in particular with an angular opening less than or equal to 180°.

[0033] In other words, each base surrounds at most half of the circumference of a component, in particular a battery cell.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, each base comprises one or more bars configured to bear against a side wall of the component to to cool. The slot in the base, configured for the passage of fluid, is formed in particular between the two adjacent bars.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises, for example, several bars, each bar joining two adjacent columns of the filling structure.

[0036] According to one aspect of the invention, the bars have rounded facets to fit the shape of the side wall of the battery cell.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, in the case where the filling structure comprises two bases spaced along the height, the bases may have a symmetry with each other by a plane of symmetry.

[0038] According to one aspect of the invention, the window of the infill structure is formed between two adjacent columns and two spaced bases. The window can thus have four sides with two long sides and two short sides, the two long sides being directed in particular along the height of the component.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the window can extend over the entire height of the columns. A solid window allows the dielectric fluid to be compartmentalized in order to reduce the potential propagation of thermal runaway.

[0040] Alternatively, the window has a height strictly less than the height of the columns adjacent to it. In this case, a solid panel extends between the two columns so that the window occupies only a portion of the column height. This improves the balancing of dielectric fluid flow rates between the components in the event of flow rate imbalances.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the arrangement of the windows can be alternated when moving along the filling structure, that is, when moving from one component to the next. Alternating windows, for example, with an upper window alternating with a lower window, allows for a serpentine flow along a row of battery cells.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the columns may have a local relief, for example at mid-height of the column, to close the gap between the components so that a vertical flow of fluid is blocked at that point by the local relief. This local relief of the column thus acts as an obstacle to the flow to form a desired fluid path, for example with radial flow components, that is to say substantially in a plane perpendicular to the height of the components.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, the columns are configured to completely enclose the perimeter of the components, in particular the battery cells.

[0044] The columns can thus form a watertight separation between two fluid flow stages within the enclosure so that the fluid accomplishes by For example, a U-shaped flow path. The U-shaped flow path allows the fluid to flow between an upper part of the enclosure and a lower part of the enclosure.

[0045] The columns can be arranged in all the inter-spaces between the components and / or all the spaces between the components and a peripheral wall of the enclosure.

[0046] Alternatively, some inter-spaces between the components may be left free, i.e. without filling by the columns of the filling structure.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, the column can be wide enough to occupy the entire inter-space between the components and this column is provided with an internal passage for the dielectric fluid.

[0048] Thus, the dielectric fluid passes through this internal passage.

[0049] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the filling structure, to reduce by at least 50%, or even by 60 to 70%, the quantity needed to immerse the same volume of enclosure.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises a plurality of columns so as to form a plurality of fluid passages opposite a side wall of one or more components.

[0051] According to one aspect of the invention, the base comprises simple, windowless columns, these columns being configured to come into contact with the side walls of one or more components. Thus, it is possible to have only fluid passages at the level of the columns, and an unused space (i.e., not filled with dielectric fluid) between the columns in order to reduce both the weight of the filling structure and the quantity of fluid to be used.

[0052] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure comprises a solid wall between two consecutive columns.

[0053] Thus, between these two columns, there is no window.

[0054] This forces the fluid to take another path, for example which can be chosen to cool only one side of a cell.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure may include a solid part which totally surrounds at least some of the components to force the dielectric fluid to take a path not passing through this area.

[0056] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery cells are selected from metal-ion type cells and solid electrolyte type cells. Advantageously, the battery cells are of the lithium-ion type.

[0057] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a casing forming an enclosure in which a filling structure is arranged as defined above.

[0058] According to one aspect of the invention, the enclosure is configured to receive temperature-sensitive components, which are battery cells, in particular cylindrical in shape.

[0059] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing accommodates a top distribution plate provided with openings, in particular circular in shape, for the insertion of components, and defining a dielectric fluid distribution chamber above the enclosure.

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper distribution plate includes orifices for the passage of dielectric fluid from the distribution chamber to the enclosure.

[0061] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices of the distribution plate are located between the components, in particular battery cells.

[0062] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices of the distribution plate are opposite slots in the bases allowing the passage of the fluid.

[0063] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices of the collection plate are opposite slots in the bases allowing the passage of the fluid.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the tops of the battery cells extend into the distribution chamber and are cooled by the dielectric fluid circulating in this distribution chamber.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, the upper distribution plate is generally flat.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the housing accommodates a lower collection plate provided with openings for the insertion of components, and defining a dielectric fluid collection chamber under the enclosure.

[0067] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection plate includes orifices for the evacuation of dielectric fluid from the enclosure to the collection chamber.

[0068] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection plate serves as a base on which the components, in particular the battery cells, rest.

[0069] According to one aspect of the invention, the openings of the collection plate are circular in shape.

[0070] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection plate may include one or more walls configured to separate two rows of battery cells.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the collection plate is disposed on the bottom of the case.

[0072] According to one aspect of the invention, the orifices of the distribution plate are opposite the orifices of the collection plate.

[0073] Thus, the dielectric fluid enters the distribution chamber, then passes through the orifices of the distribution plate, and then circulates within the enclosure to cools the components, including battery cells, and finally exits through the holes in the collection plate to reach the collection chamber before being evacuated to the outside of the case.

[0074] In the invention, the dielectric fluid enters the upper part of the housing and is discharged from the lower part of the housing so that the fluid flow in the enclosure has a vertical component with possibly other flow components, for example a radial flow.

[0075] According to one aspect of the invention, the dielectric fluid in the enclosure circulates in contact with the components, in particular the battery cells, to allow heat transfers in particular to cool the components.

[0076] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution plate and the collection plate are, for example, made of plastic material.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the battery cells extend within the enclosure over a major part of their height H, only small portions protrude through the distribution plate, on one side, and the collection plate, on the other side.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure is a separate part from the collection plate and the distribution plate.

[0079] Alternatively, the filling structure is made as a single piece with the distribution plate.

[0080] Alternatively, the filling structure is made as a single piece with the collection plate.

[0081] Alternatively, the distribution structure is joined with both the distribution plate and the collection plate.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure can be made of plastic material, in particular in one piece or in several pieces.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the filling structure can be made with a metallic core coated with an electrically insulating material, preferably thermally conductive. This allows the filling structure to be a good thermal conductor while being electrically insulating.

[0084] The invention also relates to a battery module (or battery pack) comprising an assembly as described above, in which the temperature-sensitive components, in particular battery cells, are arranged in the housing forming the enclosure.

[0085] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0086] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a perspective representation of a module according to an example of an embodiment.

[0087] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, certain elements of the module of the [Fig.1];

[0088] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents an enlarged figure of the [Fig.2], around a filling structure;

[0089] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] schematically and partially represents a profile of the module of the [Fig.1];

[0090] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] schematically and partially represents, in cross-section, the module of the [Fig.4];

[0091] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] schematically and partially represents a profile view of the module of the [Fig.1];

[0092] [Fig.7] Fig.7 schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a view of the module seen from the side of a distribution plate;

[0093] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] schematically and partially represents an enlarged view of the [Fig.7];

[0094] [Fig.9] Fig.9 schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a view of the module of Fig.6 seen from the side of a collection plate;

[0095] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a filling structure according to an example of implementation;

[0096] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a filling structure according to another embodiment example;

[0097] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a filling structure according to another embodiment example;

[0098] [Fig. 13] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a filling structure according to another embodiment.

[0099] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0100] In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described subsequently in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0101] Figure 1 shows a battery module 2 (or battery pack) comprising an assembly 4, which includes a casing 6 forming an enclosure 8 in which a plurality of rows of cells are arranged. battery 10, of lithium-ion type and having a cylindrical shape, and filling structures 12. A cover (not shown) is provided to cooperate with the housing 6 to close the enclosure 8.

[0102] More particularly, with reference in particular to figures 2 and 3, the filling structures 12 are configured to be arranged in the enclosure 8. Each battery cell 10 has a height H, and this enclosure 8 is configured to receive a dielectric fluid intended to immerse the battery cells 10.

[0103] As illustrated in particular in figures 6 to 8, the housing 6 accommodates a generally flat upper distribution plate 14, provided with circular openings 16D for the insertion of battery cells 10, and defining a dielectric fluid distribution chamber 18 above the enclosure 8.

[0104] The upper distribution plate 14 includes orifices 15D for the passage of dielectric fluid from the distribution chamber 18 to the enclosure 8. The orifices 15D of the distribution plate 14 are located between the battery cells 10.

[0105] The battery cells 10 extend within the enclosure 8 over most of their height H, only small portions protrude through the distribution plate 14, on one side, and the collection plate 20, on the other side.

[0106] As is particularly visible in [Fig.8], the apex 40 of the battery cells 10 extend into the distribution chamber 18 and are cooled by the dielectric fluid which circulates in this distribution chamber 18.

[0107] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 9, the housing 6 further accommodates a lower collection plate 20 provided with openings 16C for the insertion of battery cells 10, and defining a collection chamber 22 for dielectric fluid under the enclosure 8. The collection plate 20 serves as a base on which the battery cells 10 rest. The collection plate 20 may have several walls 23 configured to separate two rows of battery cells 10.

[0108] As can be particularly seen in Figures 10 to 13, the filling structures 12 comprise:

[0109] - bases 24 configured to rest on the perimeter of each cell of battery 10,

[0110] - columns 26 connecting to the bases 24 and extending in the direction of the height H of battery cells 10, columns 26 having a height h, hl, h2, h3 of at least 20% or at least 30% of the height H of battery cells 10, columns 26 defining fluid passages.

[0111] The orifices 15D of the distribution plate 14 are opposite slots 27 of the bases allowing the passage of the fluid.

[0112] The orifices 15C of the collection plate 20 are aligned with slots 27 in the bases 24, allowing the passage of fluid. The openings 16C of the collection plate 20 are circular in shape. The collection plate 20 includes orifices 15C for the evacuation of dielectric fluid from the enclosure 8 to the collection chamber 22.

[0113] The orifices 15D of the distribution plate 14 are aligned with the orifices 15C of the collection plate 20. Thus, the dielectric fluid enters the distribution chamber 18, then passes through the orifices 15D of the distribution plate 14, then flows through the enclosure 8 to cool the battery cells 10, and finally exits through the orifices 15C of the collection plate 20 to reach the collection chamber 22 before being discharged to the outside of the housing 6. Furthermore, the dielectric fluid enters at the top of the housing 6 and is discharged at the bottom, so that the fluid flow in the enclosure 8 has a vertical component along with other radial flow components. The dielectric fluid in the enclosure 8 flows in contact with the battery cells 10, enabling heat transfer to cool the battery cells 10.

[0114] The columns 26 have facets 30 each oriented opposite a lateral wall 31 of the battery cell 10.

[0115] As illustrated in [Fig.5], each column 26 is surrounded by three battery cells 10, this column 26 has, in cross-section, an overall triangular shape, with edges 28 slightly rounded to fit the shape of cylindrical battery cells 10. Each column 26 includes several edges 28 configured to be in contact with the battery cells 10.

[0116] In the example described, some inter-spaces 33 between the battery cells 10 are left free, i.e. without filling by the columns 26 of the filling structures 12.

[0117] In an unrepresented variant, the columns 26 can be arranged in all the inter-spaces 33 between the battery cells 10 and all the spaces between the battery cells 10 and a peripheral wall of the enclosure 8.

[0118] In an example not shown, the columns 26 may be wide enough to occupy the entire space between the battery cells 10, and these columns 26 are provided with internal passages for the dielectric fluid. Thus, the dielectric fluid passes through these internal passages.

[0119] With reference in particular to figures 4 to 6, the columns 26 are configured to extend into the inter-spaces 33 between the battery cells 10, or into a space between a battery cell 10 and a peripheral wall 60, of the enclosure 8, and having in cross-section dimensions chosen so that the columns 26 are distant from the battery cell(s) 10 which surround the columns 26.

[0120] In other words, the columns 26 extend between the battery cells 10, without touching the side wall 31 of the battery cells 10 surrounding it.

[0121] Thus, the dielectric fluid can flow in contact with the battery cells 10. This makes it possible to maintain thermal performance despite the presence of the columns 26 in the inter-spaces 33 between the battery cells 10.

[0122] In an alternative not shown, the columns 26 can be configured to come into contact with one of the battery cells 10 among the plurality of battery cells 10 surrounding it.

[0123] Thus, for example, the columns 26 leave the spaces between the columns 26 and some of the battery cells 10 clear, and for other battery cells 10, there is contact (a support) between the columns 26 and these battery cells 10 to block the passage of fluid. This makes it possible to create a fluid path of the desired shape.

[0124] The invention makes it possible to reduce the quantity of dielectric fluid required for immersion (a fluid which is expensive) by the columns 26 which serve as filling, in the inter-spaces 33 between battery cells 10. The space taken up by the filling structures 12 results in a correspondingly smaller quantity of dielectric fluid to be used.

[0125] The filling structures 12 are configured so as not to unduly impact heat transfer, or even the filling structures 12 allow the fluid to be directed along desired paths to better cool the battery cells 10.

[0126] In the example of [Fig. 10], the filling structures 12 comprise a window 44 defining a fluid passage, the window 44 being adjacent to the column and configured to be at least partially aligned with the side wall 31 of the battery cell 10. The window 44 of the filling structure 12 is formed between two adjacent columns 26 and two spaced bases 24. The window 44 can thus have four sides 46 with two long sides 46G and two short sides 46P, the two long sides 46G being directed along the height H of the battery cell 10.

[0127] The filling structure 12 has two bases 24 for each battery cell 10, the bases 24 being spaced apart from each other in the direction of the height H of the battery cell 10.

[0128] The bases 24 define slots 27 configured for fluid passages.

[0129] The columns 26 join one of the bases 24 to the other of the bases 24. In other words, the columns 26 extend from one of the bases 24 to the other of the bases 24 without interruption.

[0130] In a variant shown in figures 11 and 12, the column 26 connects to a single base 24.

[0131] In the example of [Fig. 11], the column 26 has a height hl that is less than the distance h separating the two bases 24, namely the upper base 24S and the lower base 241. This column 26 has a height hl which is half the height of the neighboring columns 26 having a height h.

[0132] In the example of [Fig. 12], the filling structure 12 comprises two bases 24 spaced apart along the height H. The columns 26 extend from one of these bases 24 without joining the other base 24. In other words, the columns 26 have a height h2, h3 that is less than the distance h separating the two bases 24, namely the upper base 24S and the lower base 241. This can be advantageous for leaving space for fluid flow in the absence of filling due to the column 26. Still in the same example, the bases 24 can be symmetrical to each other along a plane of symmetry.

[0133] The bases 24 have arc-shaped circular shapes, with angular openings less than or equal to 180°.

[0134] In other words, each base 24 surrounds at most half the circumference of a battery cell 10.

[0135] Each base 24 comprises several bars 32 configured to bear against the side wall 31 of the battery cell 10 to be cooled. The slot 27 of the base 24 configured for the passage of fluid is formed between two adjacent bars 32.

[0136] The bases 24 comprise several bars 32, each bar 32 joining two columns 26 adjacent to the filling structure 12.

[0137] The bars 32 have rounded facets 34 to fit the shape of the side wall 31 of the battery cell 10.

[0138] As illustrated in figures 10 to 12, the window 44 can extend over the entire height h of the columns 26.

[0139] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 11], one of the columns 26 may have a local relief 50, for example at mid-height hl of the column 26, to close the inter-space 33 between the battery cells 10 so that a vertical flow of fluid is blocked at this point by the local relief 50. This local relief 50 of the column 26 thus serves as an obstacle for the flow to form a desired fluid path, for example with radial flow components, i.e. substantially in a plane perpendicular to the height of the battery cells 10.

[0140] In another example illustrated in [Fig. 13], the window 44 has a height hF that is strictly less than the height h of the columns 26 adjacent to it. In this case, a solid panel 52 extends between the two columns 26 so that the window 44 occupies only part of the height h of the columns 26.

[0141] In an unshown variant, the arrangement of the windows 44 can be alternated when moving along the infill structure 12, i.e., when moving from one battery cell 10 to the next. The alternation of windows 44, with for example an upper window 44 alternating with a lower window 44, allows to have a serpentine flow along a row of battery cells 10.

[0142] In an unshown embodiment, the columns 26 are configured to completely enclose the perimeter of the battery cells 10. The columns 26 can thus form a sealed separation between two fluid flow stages within the enclosure 8 so that the fluid follows, for example, a U-shaped flow path. The U-shaped flow path allows the fluid to flow between an upper part of the enclosure 8 and a lower part of the enclosure 8.

[0143] The invention makes it possible, thanks to the filling structures 12, to reduce by at least 50%, or even by 60 to 70%, the quantity needed to immerse the same volume of enclosure 8.

[0144] In an unshown variant, the filling structures 12 comprise a solid wall between two consecutive columns 26. Thus, between these two columns 26, there is no window. This forces the fluid to take another path, for example, one that can be chosen to cool only one side of a cell.

[0145] In an unrepresented variant, the filling structures 12 may include a solid part which totally surrounds some of the battery cells 10 to force the dielectric fluid to take a path not passing through this area.

Claims

Demands

1. A filling structure (12) configured to be disposed in an enclosure (8) receiving temperature-sensitive components (10), these components (10) being, in particular, battery cells (10), each component (10) having a height (H), this enclosure (8) being configured to receive a dielectric fluid for immersing the components (10), the filling structure (12) comprising: - at least one base (24, 24S, 241) configured to rest on a periphery of one of the temperature-sensitive components (10), - at least one column (26) connecting to at least one base (24) and extending in the direction of the height (H) of the component (10), the column (26) having a height (h; h1; h2; h3) of at least 20% or at minus 30% of the height (H) of component (10), the column (26) at least partially defining a fluid passage.

2. Filling structure (12) according to claim 1, comprising a window (44) defining a fluid passage, the window (44) being adjacent to the column (26), this window (44) being configured to be opposite, at least partially, a side wall (31) of the component (10).

3. Filling structure (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (24) defines, at least partially, a slot (27) configured for the passage of fluid.

4. Filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two bases (24) for each component (10), in particular for each battery cell (10), the bases (24) being spaced apart from each other in the direction of the height (H) of the component (10).

5. Filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the column (26) joins one of the bases (24) to the other of the bases (24).

6. Filling structure (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the column (26) connects to a single base (24).

7. Filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the column (26) is configured to extend into an interspace (33) between the components (10), or into a space between a component (10) and a wall, in particular a peripheral wall (60), of the enclosure (8), and having in cross section dimensions chosen so that the column (26) is distant from the component(s) (10) which surround the column (26).

8. Filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each base (24) has several bars (32) configured to bear against a side wall (31) of at least one component (10) to be cooled, and wherein the slot (27) of the base (24) configured for the passage of fluid is formed between the two adjacent bars (32).

9. Filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (24) comprises a plurality of columns (26) so as to form a plurality of fluid passages opposite a side wall (31) of one or more components (10).

10. Assembly (4) comprising a housing (6) forming an enclosure (8) in which is disposed a filling structure (12) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. Assembly (4) according to claim 10, in which the housing (6) accommodates: - an upper distribution plate (14) having openings (16D), in particular circular openings, for the insertion of components (10), and defining a dielectric fluid distribution chamber (18) above the enclosure (8); and - a lower collection plate (20) having openings (16C) for the insertion of components (10), and defining a dielectric fluid collection chamber (22) below the enclosure (8).

12. Battery module (2) comprising an assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the temperature-sensitive components (10), in particular battery cells (10), are arranged in the housing (6) forming the enclosure (8).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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