Cage for a battery module, set of such cages, battery module and associated battery pack

Abstract

The invention relates to a cage (1) for a battery module (10) configured to surround a set of electrochemical cells (2) stacked along a longitudinal direction (X), the cage (1) comprising a pair of parallel end plates (11) and a pair of parallel side plates (12) connecting said end plates (11) at both ends so that the two end plates (11) are configured to enclose the set of cells (2) in the longitudinal direction (X), the end plates (11) and side plates (12) being parallel to a vertical reference axis (Z) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), the cage (1) being characterized in that it comprises connection interfaces (3) configured so that said cage (1) can be removably joined with complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage, indifferently following: a longitudinal stacking (100B);or a transverse stacking (100A) along a transverse reference axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) axes. (Fig. 5);

Description

Title of the invention: Cage for a battery module, assembly of such cages, battery module and associated battery pack Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of battery modules, in particular for vehicles such as motor vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to the assembly of battery modules in a battery pack. In particular, the invention relates to a cage for a battery module configured to surround a set of electrochemical cells to hold them inside the cage, a set of such cages, a battery module comprising such a cage and a set of battery cells held inside this cage, a set of such modules, and a battery pack comprising an assembly of such modules. Prior art

[0003] Motor vehicles with electric or hybrid traction or propulsion include one or more battery modules connected to a power network to supply an electric motor (traction or propulsion).

[0004] The battery modules are grouped in a casing and together form a battery block, also often referred to by the English expression "battery pack", this casing generally containing a mounting interface and connection terminals.

[0005] Each battery module includes at least one electrochemical cell generating current by chemical reaction, for example of lithium-ion (or Li-ion), Ni-Mh, Ni-Cd or lead type.

[0006] An electrochemical cell comprises, in particular, a stack of positive electrodes connected to each other and a stack of negative electrodes connected to each other, separated by a separator, known as a "stack". The positive electrodes connected to each other form a positive terminal, and the negative electrodes connected to each other form a negative terminal.

[0007] It is known to assemble, in series and / or in parallel, a plurality of electrochemical cells in order to produce battery modules using an interconnection device ensuring electrical contact between the terminals of two neighboring electrochemical cells.

[0008] Each electrochemical cell is housed in a cup within a metal casing. The casing is generally made of aluminum. Once the entire set of electrochemical cells is integrated into the cup, a cover plate is welded on. to the laser-cutting bucket to achieve the structural connection and sealing of the electrochemical cell in order to close the casing.

[0009] Battery cells are arranged in modules to create functional units. Grouping cells into modules allows for the manipulation of sets of several cells, which themselves form sub-assemblies of the battery block or battery pack. Such a modular arrangement is implemented for various reasons. Indeed, this design offers advantages, particularly in terms of modularity, maintenance, ease of manufacturing, standardization, and cost reduction.

[0010] Indeed, in the event of a cell or module failure, for example, it is simpler and more economical to replace only the defective module rather than the entire battery pack. Furthermore, manufacturing modules, which are smaller and more standardized than a battery pack, is easier and less expensive than manufacturing a single large battery pack. This also allows for more automated and efficient production.

[0011] However, such a design presents drawbacks in terms of manufacturing. Indeed, in the current design of the modules, the cell stacking process, that is, the alignment and compression process of the aligned cells of the module, depends on several factors, including the number of cells in a module and the type of cell arrangement within the module. The module may, for example, consist of a single row of cells formed by an axial stacking of several cells, or, in another configuration, consist of several adjacent rows of cells.

[0012] Regardless of the cell arrangement within the module, the manufacturing process is highly specific to each arrangement, requiring a dedicated design. Equipment for each assembly stage, such as conveyors, stacking stations, and transport pallets, varies significantly depending on the final module configurations. Another constraint lies in the design of production lines, which also differ considerably depending on the module. Therefore, implementing flexible production lines capable of assembling multiple module types is currently very difficult and costly. Description of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing in particular a solution enabling a modular design of the battery pack that is simple to implement, both in terms of manufacturing and maintenance.

[0014] Another objective is to offer a more standardized modular design solution for an automotive battery pack while allowing the cells to be arranged as desired in the dedicated space of the battery pack casing.

[0015] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a cage for a battery module is proposed, configured to surround a set of electrochemical cells stacked along a longitudinal direction. The cage comprises a pair of parallel end plates and a pair of parallel side plates connecting said end plates at both ends such that the two end plates are configured to enclose the set of cells in the longitudinal direction. The end and side plates are parallel to a vertical reference axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The cage is characterized in that it comprises connection interfaces configured such that said cage can be removably joined to complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage, indifferently according to: • a longitudinal stacking; or • a transverse stacking along a transverse reference axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical axes.

[0016] Thanks to this combination of features, the same cage can be integrated into a module so as to be included in a battery pack in either a longitudinal or transverse stacking configuration. Furthermore, the removable nature of the assembly allows for a practical configuration in case of maintenance.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the cage comprises an even number of connection interfaces.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the cage comprises four connection interfaces. This makes it possible to have a cage offering all possible stacking configurations with the fewest possible connection interfaces. The result is a cage that is relatively simple to produce and design.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the connection interfaces are each located at one of the angles of the cage formed by the junction of an end plate and an adjacent side plate.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a first half of the connection interfaces among the connection interfaces constitute male connection interfaces and in that a second half of the connection interfaces among the connection interfaces constitute female connection interfaces, each male connection interface having a form complementary to a form of each female connection interface.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the cage comprises four tubular connection interfaces, each located at one of the corners of the cage, the male connection interfaces being located at two opposite angles and the female connection interfaces being located at two distinct opposite angles.

[0022] In other words, the connection interfaces of a first type, male, are arranged by being aligned along a first diagonal of a rectangular section of the cage and the connection interfaces of a second type, female, are arranged by being aligned along a second diagonal, distinct from the first diagonal and intersecting with respect to said first diagonal, of the associated rectangular section of the cage.

[0023] According to one embodiment, tubular connection interfaces having an orifice, preferably through, extending vertically, the male connection interfaces being located vertically at a first level and the female connection interfaces being located vertically at a second level distinct from the first level so that, in a horizontal projection of the male and female connection interfaces onto a vertical axis, the first and second levels are superimposed.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cage connection interfaces are configured to be removably joined to complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage by separate connection means, each cooperating with one of the cage connection interfaces and the associated complementary connection interface of the adjacent cage.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the separate connection means include rod connection means, for example screws.

[0026] According to one embodiment, each plate among the end plates and the side plates comprises an inner face configured to face the cell assembly in an assembled position of the battery module, and an outer face, opposite the inner face, the outer faces of the end and side plates being parallel to a vertical reference axis (Z) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), the cage comprising four tubular connection interfaces each located at one of the angles formed by the junction of an adjacent end plate and side plate, the tubular connection interfaces each comprising an orifice extending along a connection axis parallel to the vertical axis (Z), and in that for each angle of the cage,An intersection of two planes, each coplanar with the outer surface of the end plate and the side plate defining the associated angle, forms a vertical line collinear with the connection axis of the associated orifice.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the orifices of each of the connection interfaces have a rotational symmetry around the connection axis.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the ports of each of the connection interfaces are through-holes.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to an assembly of a plurality of cages remarkable in that each of the cages presents all or part of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0030] According to one embodiment, each of the cages is assembled with at least one adjacent cage from among the plurality of cages in the set, following at least one longitudinal or transverse stacking such that for a given cage of the plurality of cages in the set, a part of the connection interfaces is removably joined with a part of the complementary connection interfaces of the adjacent cage.

[0031] The invention also relates to a battery module comprising a cage as described above, the cage surrounding a set of electrochemical cells stacked along a longitudinal direction, the cage comprising two end plates and two side plates connecting said end plates at the two ends, the two end plates enclosing the set of cells in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the cells of the battery module are prismatic cells.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to an assembly of a plurality of battery modules, each of the modules having all or part of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0034] According to one embodiment, each of the cages associated with the modules is assembled with at least one adjacent cage from among the plurality of cages in the set, following at least one longitudinal or transverse stacking, so that for a cage of a given module from the plurality of modules in the set, a part of the connection interfaces is removably secured with a part of the complementary connection interfaces of the cage of the adjacent module.

[0035] The invention also relates to a battery pack for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one set of modules as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig. 1]: an isometric perspective view of a battery module comprising a cage according to an embodiment surrounding a set of electrochemical cells; • [Fig.2]: a detailed view of [Fig.1], on which are illustrated separate rod-based connection means such as screws to secure its attachment to an adjacent similar battery module; • [Fig. 3]: an isometric perspective view of an end plate of the battery module cage of the [Fig.l]; • [Fig. 4]: A partially exploded isometric perspective view of a set of battery modules according to [Fig.1], assembled in a transverse stacking; • [Fig. 5]: A partially exploded isometric perspective view of a set of battery modules according to [Fig.1], assembled in a longitudinal stack; • [Fig. 6]: A partial top view of the battery module assembly the [Fig.5]; • [Fig.7]: a front view of [Fig.6]; • [Fig. 8]: A top view of the battery module assembly of the [Fig.5]; • [Fig.9]: a front view of [Fig.8]; • [Fig. 10]: a detailed diagram of an angle of the cage according to [Fig. 1], seen in horizontal section of an angle of said cage.

[0037] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

[0038] In the description and claims, to clarify the description and claims, the terminology longitudinal, transverse, and vertical shall be adopted without limitation, with reference to the X, Y, Z trihedron shown in the figures. Detailed description of an embodiment

[0039] The invention applies in particular to the production of a battery or a "battery pack" or "battery unit", especially for electric or hybrid vehicles. The term "battery", "battery unit" or "battery pack" refers to a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically connected to one another.

[0040] In the battery pack (not illustrated), the plurality of electrochemical cells 2 is arranged in the form of one or more module(s) 10, each module comprising several electrochemical cells 2 electrically connected to each other and mechanically assembled to each other by an assembly system, such as a cage 1.

[0041] Such modules 10 thus make it possible to manipulate sets of several cells 2, themselves forming subsets of the battery pack, thereby improving the modularity and maintenance of the corresponding batteries.

[0042] An electrochemical cell 2 comprises, in particular, a stack (not shown) of interconnected positive electrodes and a stack of interconnected negative electrodes separated by a separator, known as a "stack". The interconnected positive electrodes form a terminal positive, and the negative electrodes connected to each other form a negative terminal.

[0043] Each of the modules 10 of a battery pack thus comprises electrochemical cells 2 arranged by extending successively in a transverse direction of the cells 2 corresponding to a longitudinal direction X of the corresponding module 10.

[0044] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a battery module 10 according to the invention is described.

[0045] As mentioned, to ensure the assembly of the electrochemical cells 2, a module 10 comprises a cage 1 arranged to surround the set of electrochemical cells 2 aligned and stacked along the longitudinal direction X.

[0046] More specifically, the cage 1 comprises a pair of end plates 11 parallel to each other and a pair of side plates 12 parallel to each other, the pair of side plates 12 connecting said end plates 11 at both ends such that the two end plates 11 enclose the entire cell assembly 2 in the longitudinal direction X. The end plates 11 and side plates 12 are arranged so as to be parallel to a vertical reference axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the plates 11, 12 of the cage 1 form a belt horizontally surrounding the horizontal stack of cells. The cage 1 has a generally rectangular horizontal cross-section.

[0047] It should be noted that the electrochemical cells 2 are prismatic. Each electrochemical cell 2 is conventionally composed of a cup having an interior space delimited by a horizontal lower wall and vertical side walls. The interior space of the cup is closed by a lid of cell 2 extending horizontally and attached to an upper opening of the cup delimited by the upper edges of the vertical walls, vertically opposite the lower wall. The cup and the lid together form a housing for an associated cell 2. In the configurations illustrated in the figures, the cage 1 of the module 10 surrounds the set of cells of the associated module 10 around the side walls of the set of cells 2 arranged vertically and stacked horizontally. The cells 2 are thus held together by being laterally confined, in particular transversely and longitudinally, by the cage 1.

[0048] The housings of cells 2 are prismatic in shape, with rectangular bases. Other shapes are however possible.

[0049] Cage 1 thus guarantees easy upper access to the cell lids facilitating connections, as well as lower access to the bottoms of the cell 2 cups.

[0050] Compression by the end plates 11 of cage 1 of a given longitudinal stack of electrochemical cells 2 also makes it possible to limit A potential expansion in the thickness of a cell, measured longitudinally relative to its associated module 10. Such expansion is generally caused by cell swelling behavior during the battery's lifespan due to internal chemical reactions that increase the cell's internal pressure. This module limits deformation of the cell casings 2 in the event of a swelling effect. Furthermore, it also limits the stresses borne by the corresponding battery pack casing.

[0051] In accordance with the invention, the cage 1 further comprises connection interfaces 3 configured so that said cage 1 can be removably connected to complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage, indifferently according to: • a 100B longitudinal stack, or • a 100A transverse stacking along a transverse reference axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal X and vertical Z axes.

[0052] Thus, using the same cage 1, it is possible to assemble modules 10 in pairs according to distinct stacking arrangements, longitudinally or transversely. The desired horizontal stacking, whether longitudinal or transverse, is then obtained from the same type of module 10, each having connection interfaces 3 to ensure their assembly. The same type or model of cage 1 can therefore be used for several arrangements of modules 10.

[0053] In a longitudinal stacking 100B of at least two modules 10, or longitudinal alignment, at least two modules 10 are aligned longitudinally such that the longitudinal axes of the modules 10 are coaxial. In other words, the modules 10 are oriented longitudinally and aligned together longitudinally. For any two adjacent modules of the stacking of modules 10, namely a first module 10 and a second module 10 stacked longitudinally together in a longitudinal stacking 100B, one of the end plates 11 of a first module 10 is adjacent to, or opposite, another end plate 11 of a second module 10. Such a configuration is illustrated in more detail in Figures 5, 8, and 9 with two modules 10 arranged in a longitudinal stacking 100B.

[0054] In a transverse stacking 100A of at least two modules 10, or transverse alignment, at least two modules 10 are aligned transversely such that the transverse axes of the modules 10 are coaxial. In other words, the modules 10 are oriented transversely and aligned together transversely. For any two adjacent modules of the stacking of modules 10, namely a first module 10 and a second module 10 stacked transversely together in a transverse stacking 100A, one of the side plates 12 of a first module 10 is adjacent to, or opposite, another side plate 12 of a second module 10 . Such a configuration is illustrated in more detail in figures 4, 6 and 7 with three modules 10 arranged in a transverse stacking 100A.

[0055] In the embodiment as illustrated in the figures, the cage 1 has four connection interfaces 3. These connection interfaces 3 are in particular located at each of the angles 13 of the cage 1. Each of the angles 13 is formed by the junction: • of one of the corresponding end plates 11; and • of one of the side plates 12 associated with and adjacent to the end plate 11 associate.

[0056] The connection interfaces 3 are specifically supported by the end plates 11. In this way, it is possible to use conventional side plates 12 without changing their design. This further simplifies the cage structure and its assembly. Moreover, the end plates 11 are generally designed to be structurally stronger, particularly because they are located at the two longitudinal ends of the cell stack 2 of the module 10 and help to limit deformation of the cell housings 2 in the event of swelling of at least one of them.

[0057] Each end plate 11 has a thickness taken along the longitudinal axis X with respect to the module 10, a height parallel to the vertical reference axis Z and a width extending parallel to the transverse reference axis Y.

[0058] The connection interfaces 3 are fixed to the end plates 11. Each end plate 11 has two connection interfaces 3, namely one connection interface 3 at each of its transverse ends, i.e. on either side of its width.

[0059] Each end plate 11 is formed from metallic material(s), preferably aluminum.

[0060] Each end plate 11 is formed in one piece, i.e. monobloc, with the connection interfaces 3 which are integral with it.

[0061] Cage 1 is provided with an even number of connection interfaces 3, preferably four connection interfaces 3. Among all these connection interfaces 3: • the first half of the 3 connection interfaces constitute male 3A connection interfaces; and • a second half of connection interfaces, distinct from the male connection interfaces, constitutes female connection interfaces 3B.

[0062] In particular in the embodiment of cage 1 as illustrated, said cage 1 comprises two male connection interfaces 3A and two female connection interfaces 3B among the connection interfaces 3 of cage 1.

[0063] The connection interfaces 3 are configured such that a given male connection interface 3A of a module 10 is configured to cooperate with a female connection interface 3Bas associated with an adjacent module 10 in the module set. Thus, each male connection interface 3A has a shape complementary to a shape of each female connection interface 3B.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cage 1 is provided with an even number of connection interfaces 3 per side, preferably two: a male connection interface 3A and a female connection interface 3B.

[0065] Furthermore, the connection interfaces 3 are arranged around the cage 1, on the outer side of the cage 1 opposite the inner space receiving the electrochemical cells 2. The connection interfaces 3 are distributed homogeneously around the rectangular section of the cage such that for a given position of a connection interface 3 on one side of the rectangular section of the cage 1, a connection interface 3 of the same type (male or female) is located at a symmetrical position centered at C, C corresponding to the center of the rectangular section of the module 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the cage 1 has four connection interfaces 3, each located at one of the angles 13 of the cage 1. The male connection interfaces 3A are located at two opposite angles 13, and the female connection interfaces 3B are located at two distinct opposite angles 13. Thus, at a given position of a male connection interface 3A, the cage 1 includes a male connection interface 3A at a symmetrical position centered at C, i.e., centered at the center C of the rectangular section. The same applies to the female connection interfaces 3B. Therefore, the connection interfaces of a first type, male 3A, are arranged aligned along a first diagonal of the rectangular section of the cage 1, and the connection interfaces of a second type, female 3B, are arranged aligned along a second diagonal of the rectangular section of the associated cage, distinct from the first diagonal.The first and second diagonals intersect at the center C of the rectangular section.

[0067] Such a configuration represents here the minimum useful configuration, that is to say that the cage 1 has the minimum number of connection interfaces 3 so that the cage 1 can be joined with complementary connection interfaces 3 of an adjacent cage, indifferently following a longitudinal stacking 100B, or a transverse stacking 100A.

[0068] An embodiment in which each side would have two connection interfaces 3 per side of cage 1, i.e. eight in total, comprising a male connection interface 3A and a female connection interface 3B per side would be conceivable but more complex to implement and more expensive.

[0069] Another issue concerns the optimization of space in order to present the smallest possible volume. Here again, the configuration of cage 1 as illustrated in the figures is particularly advantageous in that it minimizes the loss of space between the stacked modules 10.

[0070] In particular, the cage 1 according to the invention is configured such that each plate 11, 12 among the end plates 11 and the side plates 12 comprises an inner face 11B, 12B configured to face the cell assembly 2 in an assembled position of the battery module 10, and an outer face 11A, 12A, opposite the inner face 11B, 12B. The outer faces 11A, 12A of the end plates 11 and side plates 12 are parallel to a vertical reference axis Z orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X.

[0071] The cage 1 has four connection interfaces 3, each located at one of the angles 13 formed by the junction of one of the end plates 11 and one of the adjacent side plates 12.

[0072] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 10], the connection interfaces 3 are tubular interfaces, each comprising an orifice 31 extending along a connection axis A3 parallel to the vertical axis Z. These tubular connection interfaces 3 have a generally cylindrical body through which the orifice 31 passes. These orifices 31 extend vertically and are vertically through-holes. These orifices 31 are generally cylindrical and each has a generally circular shape with an axis parallel to the vertical axis. As described in more detail below, this axis corresponds to a connection axis A3. The term "generally" here refers to the main shape; the orifices 31 may, for example, have a thread or other specific surface finish to accommodate a specific rod-like fastening means.

[0073] For each angle 13 of cage 1, a vertical line I is formed by the intersection of two vertical planes Pli, P12 with: • the fold plane corresponding to a first plane coplanar with the outer surface 11A of the end plate 11 adjacent to the associated angle 13; and • the plane P12 corresponding to a second plane coplanar with the outer surface 12A of the lateral plate 12 adjacent to the associated angle 13.

[0074] The outer surfaces 11A, 12A of the end plates 11 and lateral plate 12 being vertical for a given angle, the planes Pli and P12 are also vertical and the line I is vertical.

[0075] Advantageously, the line I is collinear with the connection axis A3 of the orifice 31 associated with the corresponding angle 13. This helps to minimize the loss of space between the adjacent and stacked modules 10.

[0076] The male tubular connection interfaces 3A and 3B are each tubular and placed at different vertical heights or levels so that they can be superimposed in an assembled position between a male connection interface 3A and a female connection interface 3B. In other words, the male tubular connection interfaces 3A are located vertically at a first level and the female tubular connection interfaces 3B are located vertically at a second level distinct from the first level so that, in a horizontal projection of the male connection interfaces 3A and 3B onto a vertical axis, the first and second levels are vertically superimposed.

[0077] Thus, to secure a first and a second module 10 from among all the modules 10 of the stack of modules 10, the first and second modules 10 being intended to be adjacent to each other, they are positioned side by side so that they are adjacent in pairs: • either in the alignment or longitudinal stacking position: one of the end plates 11 of the first module 10 is positioned so as to be adjacent to, or opposite, another end plate 11 of the second module 10; • either in the alignment or transverse stacking position: one of the side plates 12 of the first module 10 is positioned so as to be adjacent, or opposite, another side plate 12 of the second module 10.

[0078] Once the modules 10 are positioned side by side, the corresponding connection interfaces 3 of the cage 1 of the first module 10 cooperate with the connection interfaces 3 of the cage 1 of the second module 10. The corresponding connection interfaces 3 are those at the corners 13 delimiting the adjacent or opposite sides of the cages to be joined.

[0079] To secure each pair of modules, the two cage plates of the first and second modules are bordered on one side by a male connection interface 3A and on the other side by a female connection interface 3B. Given the arrangement of the connection interfaces 3, to connect two modules: • the associated female connection interface 3B of the first module 10 is placed superimposed on the associated male connection interface 3A of the second module 10 so that their respective connection axes A3 are coaxial; • The associated female connection interface 3B of the second module 10 is placed superimposed on the male connection interface 3A associated with the first module 10 so that their respective connection axes A3 are coaxial; and • The two connections are made, each ensured by a coaxial superposition of the tubular orifices 31 of the associated connection interfaces 3 then joined together in pairs, in a removable manner, by separate connection means 35 with rods that penetrate vertically into the orifices 31 of the two cages 1 of the two associated modules 10.

[0080] The connecting means 35 to the rod are, for example, screws, each cooperating with one or the other of the connection interfaces 3A, 3B of the cage 1 and the associated complementary connection interface of the adjacent cage 1. Preferably, the rod includes a thread and one of the holes 31 has a complementary tapped hole.

[0081] Of course, other means of connection 35 can be used such as rivets, etc.

[0082] It is understood that for a given stack of modules 10, the cages 1 of the modules are structurally analogous, preferably identical, to each other. Even more preferably, that for a given stack of modules 10, the modules 10 are structurally analogous, preferably identical, to each other.

[0083] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to easily manufacture modules 10 equipped with standardized cages. Among the set of cages, 1 of the modules 10 of the same stacking, each of the cages 1 is assembled with at least one adjacent cage 1 from among the plurality of cages in the set, following at least one longitudinal stacking 100B or transverse stacking 100A so that for a given cage 1 of the plurality of cages in the set, a part of the connection interfaces 3 is removably secured with a part of the complementary connection interfaces of the adjacent cage.

[0084] The modules 10 are connected together at two fixings, each having a male connection interface 3A of the first of the two modules and a female connection interface 3B of the second of the two associated modules, the connection interfaces 3A, 3B being connected together by at least one connection means 35.

[0085] In summary, it is thus possible to design horizontal stacks or arrangements of vertical modules, indifferently along a longitudinal or transverse direction. Furthermore, it is possible to use standardized and versatile production lines at limited costs.

[0086] Naturally, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0087] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Demands

1. A cage (1) for a battery module (10) configured to surround a set of electrochemical cells (2) stacked along a longitudinal direction (X), the cage (1) comprising a pair of parallel end plates (11) and a pair of parallel side plates (12) connecting said end plates (11) at both ends such that the two end plates (11) are configured to enclose the set of cells (2) in the longitudinal direction (X), the end plates (11) and side plates (12) being parallel to a vertical reference axis (Z) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), the cage (1) being characterized in that it comprises connection interfaces (3) configured such that said cage (1) can be removably joined to complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage, indifferently in: - a longitudinal stacking (100B);or - a transverse stacking (100A) along a transverse reference axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (X) and vertical (Z) axes.;

2. Cage (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an even number of connection interfaces (3), preferably four connection interfaces (3), preferably further located each at one of the angles (13) of the cage (1) formed by the junction of an end plate (11) and an adjacent side plate (12).

3. Cage (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a first half of the connection interfaces among the connection interfaces (3) constitute male connection interfaces (3A) and in that a second half of the connection interfaces among the connection interfaces (3) constitute female connection interfaces (3B), each male connection interface (3A) having a form complementary to a form of each female connection interface (3B).

4. Cage (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cage (1) comprises four tubular connection interfaces (3) each located at one of the angles (13) of the cage (1), the male connection interfaces (3A) being located at two angles (13) opposite and the female connection interfaces (3B) being located at two distinct opposite angles (13).

5. Cage (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the tubular connection interfaces (3) having an orifice (31), preferably through, extending vertically, the male connection interfaces (3A) being located vertically at a first level and the female connection interfaces (3B) being located vertically at a second level distinct from the first level so that, in a horizontal projection of the male (3A) and female (3B) connection interfaces onto a vertical axis, the first and second levels are superimposed.

6. Cage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection interfaces (3) of the cage (1) are configured to be removably secured to complementary connection interfaces of an adjacent cage by separate connection means (35), preferably rod connection means, for example screws, to cooperate each with one of the connection interfaces (3, 3A, 3B) of the cage and the associated complementary connection interface of the adjacent cage.

7. Cage (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, depending at least on claim 4, characterized in that each plate (11, 12) among the end plates (11) and the side plates (12) comprises an inner face (11B, 12B) configured to face the cell assembly (2) in an assembled position of the battery module (10), and an outer face (11A, 12A) opposite the inner face (11B, 12B), the outer faces (11A, 12A) of the end plates (11) and side plates (12) being parallel to a vertical reference axis (Z) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X), the cage (1) having four tubular connection interfaces (3) each located at one of the angles (13) formed by the junction of an adjacent end plate (11) and side plate (12), the connection interfaces (3) tubular, each comprising an orifice (31) extending along a connection axis (A3) parallel to the vertical axis (Z),and in that for each angle (13) of the cage (1), an intersection of two planes (Pli, P12) each coplanar with the outer surface (11A, 12A) of the end plate (11) and the side plate (12) delimiting, the associated angle (13) forms a vertical line (I) collinear with the connection axis (A3) of the associated orifice (31).

8. An assembly of a plurality of cages (1) characterized in that each of the cages (1) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A cage assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of the cages (1) is assembled with at least one adjacent cage (1) from among the plurality of cages in the assembly, following at least one longitudinal (100B) or transverse (100A) stacking such that for a given cage (1) of the plurality of cages in the assembly, a part of the connection interfaces (3) is removably secured with a part of the complementary connection interfaces of the adjacent cage.

10. Battery module (10) comprising a cage (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the cage (1) surrounding a set of electrochemical cells (2) stacked along a longitudinal direction (X), the cage comprising two end plates (11) and two side plates (12) connecting said end plates (11) at both ends, the two end plates (11) enclosing the set of cells (2) in the longitudinal direction (X).

11. Battery module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cells (2) are prismatic cells.

12. Assembly (100) of a plurality of battery modules (10) characterized in that each of the modules (10) is according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Assembly (100) of modules (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of the cages (1) associated with the modules (10) is assembled with at least one adjacent cage among the plurality of cages in the assembly, following at least one longitudinal (100B) or transverse (100A) stacking, such that for a cage (1) of a given module (10) of the plurality of modules in the assembly, a part of the connection interfaces (3) is removably secured with a part of the complementary connection interfaces of the cage of the adjacent module.

14. Battery pack for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one set of modules (10) according to the preceding claim.

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