BATTERY MODULE FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED BATTERY SYSTEM

Abstract

BATTERY MODULE FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED BATTERY SYSTEM The present invention relates to a battery module (30), for an electric or hybrid vehicle battery system, comprising a tubular case (40), a first terminal plate (50) and a second terminal plate (54) closing the ends (40A, 40B) of the case, and electrochemical cells arranged in the case.The first terminal plate comprises a body (51); an inlet channel (65A) and an outlet channel (65B), formed in the body and allowing the circulation of refrigerant fluid in the battery module between the inlet and outlet channels to cool the electrochemical cells; a positive terminal (88A) and a negative terminal (88B), fixed to the body, electrically connected to the electrochemical cells and extending out of the housing; and fastening members (85), arranged in the body and allowing the battery module to be attached to the vehicle. Figure for the abstract: 3.

Description

Title of the invention: BATTERY MODULE FOR A BATTERY SYSTEM OF AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED BATTERY SYSTEM

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module for a battery system of an electric or hybrid vehicle and a battery system, in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle, comprising such battery modules.

[0002] The term "battery" refers to a plurality of electrochemical cells electrically connected to one another. In one particular example of a battery, the plurality of electrochemical cells is arranged in the form of several battery modules, each battery module comprising several electrochemical cells electrically connected to one another and mechanically assembled together by an assembly system, such as assembly plates. An electrochemical cell comprises, in particular, a stack of positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and separators. The positive electrodes connected to one another form a positive terminal of the battery, and the negative electrodes connected to one another form a negative terminal.

[0003] A battery module generally comprises a casing that helps protect its internal components, particularly the electrochemical cells and electrical connectors. Typically, a battery module is attached directly to the vehicle, for example, to the vehicle floor, using fasteners such as bolts. Generally, a battery module has two end plates that close the two ends of the casing. These end plates ensure the positioning and mechanical retention of the electrochemical cells within the casing, and may even allow the electrochemical cells to be compressed.

[0004] During operation, electrochemical cells are likely to produce heat. In order to prevent an excessive rise in temperature inside the battery, which could damage certain internal components or impair their operation, at least some of this heat is dissipated outside the battery. For example, it is known to use a cooling system that circulates a refrigerant fluid inside the battery modules to cool the electrochemical cells. Such a system is generally achieved using hydraulic hoses that connect the casing of each battery module to a refrigerant supply circuit.

[0005] The assembly formed by the battery modules and the cooling system forms a battery system, the assembly of which within the vehicle is usually complex, because it requires first the fixing of all the battery modules to the floor of the vehicle, then the hydraulic connection of each battery module to the refrigerant supply circuit and the electrical connection of the battery modules to each other.

[0006] One object of the invention is therefore to provide a battery module that is easier and faster to assemble in a battery system, facilitating the mounting of the battery system on a vehicle.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a battery module for a battery system of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the battery module comprising: - a casing, the casing being tubular and extending parallel to a module axis, - a first end plate, closing one end of the housing along the module axis, - a second end plate, closing off a second end of the housing along the module axis, - electrochemical cells, arranged in the casing juxtaposed along the modulus axis between the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate,

[0008] wherein the first terminal plate comprises: - a body, - an inlet channel, formed in the body and configured to allow the supply of refrigerant to the battery module, and an outlet channel, formed in the body and configured to allow the evacuation of refrigerant from the battery module, so as to allow refrigerant to circulate within the battery module between the inlet channel and the outlet channel, thus allowing the electrochemical cells to cool, - a positive terminal and a negative terminal, fixed to the body, electrically connected to the electrochemical cells and extending out of the casing, and - fastening devices, arranged in the body and configured to allow the battery module to be attached to the vehicle.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the assembly of the battery module in the battery system is facilitated, because all the mechanical, electrical, and fluidic connections necessary for the assembly and operation of the battery module are grouped in the first terminal plate. These connections are therefore easier to make implemented, for example by interlocking, which avoids in particular the use of hydraulic hoses or electrical cables, which are time-consuming to install.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the battery module comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0011] - The inlet channel and the outlet channel are configured to be hydraulically connected respectively with an inlet fluid connection and an outlet fluid connection of the battery system, the inlet fluid connection and the outlet fluid connection being configured to extend parallel or obliquely to a vertical axis perpendicular to the module axis.

[0012] - The fastening members extend along a vertical axis perpendicular to the axis of module.

[0013] - The housing, the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate form a fluid-tight battery module casing.

[0014] - The positive terminal is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells by a The first electrical conductor extends from the positive terminal into the inside of the housing. The negative terminal is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells by a second electrical conductor extending from the negative terminal into the inside of the housing, and the body of the first terminal plate is overmolded onto the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

[0015] - The battery module is configured so that the refrigerant circulating in the battery module between the input channel and the output channel is a dielectric refrigerant fluid.

[0016] - The housing is a single piece and the body of the first terminal plate and the second The terminal plates are attached to the housing.

[0017] - The housing comprises two side walls, a top wall and a wall the lower part and the body of the first terminal plate, the second terminal plate and the two side walls are one piece.

[0018] - The inlet channel and the outlet channel open from the body of the first plate terminal along a first vertical direction parallel or oblique to a vertical axis, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the module axis, the positive terminal and the negative terminal extend from the body along a second vertical direction parallel or oblique to the vertical axis and opposite to the first vertical direction, and the fixing members pass through the body of the first terminal plate parallel or oblique to the vertical axis.

[0019] - The body of the first terminal plate has a projection extending parallel to the module axis opposite the housing, the protrusion has a top face, oriented along the first vertical direction, the input channel and the outlet channel open onto the upper face of the projection, the body of the first terminal plate has a lower face, oriented along the second vertical direction, the positive terminal and the negative terminal extend from the lower face and, preferably, the fixing members pass through the projection.

[0020] The invention also relates to a battery system, for electric or hybrid vehicles, comprising battery modules, each battery module being as described above, and a cooling system, hydraulically connected to the inlet channel and the outlet channel of each battery module so as to allow cooling of the electrochemical cells of each battery module.

[0021] This battery system induces the same advantages as those mentioned above with regard to the battery module of the invention.

[0022] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the battery system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0023] - The cooling system comprises a chassis, extending along an axis longitudinal perpendicular to the module axis of each battery module and configured to match a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; an inlet duct, extending into the chassis parallel to the longitudinal axis, the inlet duct being configured to be supplied with refrigerant;and an outlet duct, extending into the chassis parallel to the longitudinal axis, the outlet duct being configured to permit the discharge of refrigerant. In addition, the battery system includes inlet fluid connections, each inlet fluid connection being associated with the first terminal plate of one of the battery modules and extending between the cooling system chassis and the first associated terminal plate, parallel or oblique to a vertical axis perpendicular to the module axis and the longitudinal axis, each inlet fluid connection connecting the inlet duct to the inlet channel of the first associated terminal plate, so as to permit refrigerant flow from the inlet duct to the inlet channel;outlet fluid fittings, each outlet fluid fitting being associated with the first end plate of one of the battery modules and extending between the cooling system chassis and the first associated end plate, parallel or oblique to the vertical axis, each outlet fluid fitting connecting the outlet channel of the first associated end plate to the outlet duct, so as to permit refrigerant fluid to flow from the outlet channel to the outlet duct; and fastening elements, each fastening element being associated with the first end plate of one of the battery modules and extending between the cooling system chassis and the first associated end plate, parallel or oblique to the vertical axis, each fastening element cooperating; with a fixing device for the first associated end plate to fix the first associated end plate to the chassis.

[0024] - The inlet fluid fittings, the outlet fluid fittings and the elements of The fixings extend parallel to the vertical axis.

[0025] - The battery modules are juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis and two modules batteries placed side by side along the longitudinal axis are fixed to each other.

[0026] - Two battery modules placed side by side along the longitudinal axis are electrically connected via a battery system connection element, the connection element being electrically connected to the positive terminal of one of the two side-by-side battery modules and to the negative terminal of the other of the two side-by-side battery modules, the connection element fixing the two side-by-side battery modules together.

[0027] The invention also relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle, the vehicle comprising an electric motor, a floor and a battery system fixed under the floor and supplying electrical energy to the electric motor, the battery system being as described above.

[0028] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0029] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a vehicle conforming to the invention and comprising a battery system according to the invention, the battery system comprising battery modules according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of part of the battery system of the vehicle of the [Fig.1].

[0031] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a battery module belonging to the vehicle battery system of the [Fig.1].

[0032] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-section of the battery system of [Fig.2], according to the plan IV of the [Fig.2],

[0033] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of part of a battery system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0034] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a perspective view of four battery modules belonging to the battery system of [Fig.5] and conforming to another embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a perspective view of part of a battery module in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0036] An electric or hybrid vehicle 10 is schematically represented in [Fig. 1]. The vehicle 10 is preferably a motor vehicle.

[0037] A longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y, and a vertical axis Z of the vehicle 10 are defined, perpendicular to each other and corresponding respectively to the length, width, and height of the vehicle. In the following description, the terms front and rear refer to the longitudinal axis X, the terms left and right refer to the transverse axis Y, and the terms top and bottom refer to the vertical axis Z.

[0038] The vehicle 10 comprises wheels 12, here four wheels, mobile in rotation parallel to the transverse axis Y, a floor 14, visible only in [Fig.2] and extending perpendicularly to the vertical axis Z, a motor 16 allowing to propel part or all of the wheels 12 and a battery system 18 provided to supply electrical energy to the motor 16 and fixed to the floor 14, in the example under the floor 14.

[0039] Advantageously, the vehicle 10 includes an inverter 20, electrically connected to the motor 16 and the battery system 18, which allows the current and voltage delivered by the battery system to be conditioned to the motor 16.

[0040] Advantageously, the vehicle 10 includes an electrical box 22. The electrical box 22 allows the battery system 18 to be electrically connected to the inverter 20. Preferably, the electrical box 22 also allows the battery system 18 to be electrically connected to a charging connector, not shown, so as to recharge the battery system 18 using an external power supply source.

[0041] The vehicle 10 includes a hydraulic circuit 24, comprising in particular a coolant reservoir and a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic circuit 24 supplies the battery system 18 with coolant, as described below. The coolant is, for example, a dielectric fluid, such as a hydrocarbon-based fluid, a polyalphaolefin (or PAO) fluid, or a silicone fluid, or is glycol water, demineralized water, an oil, a fluorocarbon, or any other liquid that does not present a risk of corrosion to the components with which it is in contact. In this application, "fluid" means a liquid or a gas.

[0042] Preferably, the hydraulic circuit 24 also includes a dissipative element (not shown), for example a radiator, designed to dissipate the heat extracted from the battery system 18 by the refrigerant. In other words, the dissipative element cools the refrigerant by dissipating the heat accumulated by the refrigerant as it passes through the battery system.

[0043] The battery system 18 comprises battery modules 30, each battery module 30 comprising several electrochemical cells 32, the operation of which, being known per se, is not detailed. The battery system 18 also comprises a cooling system 34, hydraulically connected to the hydraulic circuit 24.

[0044] In [Fig. 2], a portion of the floor 14 and the battery system 18 are shown. More specifically, two battery modules 30 placed side by side along the transverse axis Y and a portion of the cooling system 34 are shown. Of the two battery modules 30 shown in [Fig. 2], one is shown in an unassembled position, in which the battery module is away from the floor 14.

[0045] In [Fig.3], a battery module 30 is shown alone.

[0046] Each battery module 30 has a tubular housing 40 extending parallel to the transverse axis Y. In other words, the housing 40 of each battery module 30 extends across the width of the vehicle 10. Thus, the transverse axis Y corresponds to a main axis of the battery modules 30, in other words to a module axis.

[0047] In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the housing 40 of each battery module 30 has two side walls 42, 44, delimiting the battery module 30 along the longitudinal axis X, as well as an upper wall 46 and a lower wall 48, delimiting the battery module 30 along the vertical axis Z. Together, the walls 42 to 48 form a tube extending parallel to the transverse axis Y, i.e. parallel to the module axis.

[0048] Within the battery system 18, the battery modules 30 are placed side by side along the longitudinal axis X such that, for two battery modules placed side by side along the longitudinal axis X, the side wall 42 of the first of the two battery modules is in contact, or opposite, with the side wall 44 of the second of the two battery modules. In practice, a mounting gap is preferably provided between two battery modules 30 placed side by side along the longitudinal axis X, thus facilitating the assembly of the battery system 18. In other words, two side-by-side battery modules 30 are preferably in contact, within the mounting gap, via their side walls.

[0049] Each battery module 30 has a first terminal plate 50, extending perpendicularly to the transverse axis Y, i.e., perpendicular to the electrochemical cells 32, and closing a first end 40A of the housing 40 along the transverse axis Y. The first terminal plate 50 has a body 51. Advantageously, the body 51 of the first terminal plate 50 of each battery module 30 has a projection 52, extending parallel to the transverse axis Y, opposite the housing 40. The body 51, more precisely the projection 52, has an upper face 52A, oriented towards the ground 14, along the vertical axis Z, i.e., in the example, upwards. Furthermore, the body 51, more precisely the projection 52, has a lower face 52B, oriented opposite to the ground 14, along the vertical axis, that is to say, in the example, downwards.Thus, the upper face 52A is oriented in a first direction DI which is vertical, that is to say parallel to the vertical axis Z, and . directed towards the ground 14 and the lower face 52B is oriented in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction Dl.

[0050] Each battery module 30 has a second terminal plate 54, extending perpendicularly along the transverse axis Y and closing a second end 40B of the housing 40 along the transverse axis Y, opposite the first terminal plate 50. Thus, the first terminal plate 50 and the second terminal plate 54 delimit the battery module 30 along the transverse axis Y.

[0051] In the example, the side walls 42, 44 of the housing 40, the first terminal plate 50 and the second terminal plate 54 of each battery module 30 are monobloc, that is, they are formed from a single piece. In addition, for each battery module 30, the upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48 are fixed to the side walls 42, 44, so that the housing 40 is not monobloc.

[0052] Thus, the electrochemical cells 32 are introduced into the housing along the vertical axis Z, for example before the upper wall 46 is put in place.

[0053] Here, the casing of each battery module, formed by the housing 40, the first terminal plate 50, and the second terminal plate 54, is generally parallelepiped in shape. Thus, a section of each battery module, viewed perpendicular to the transverse axis Y, is rectangular. In an alternative not shown, the shape of the casing of each battery module 30 differs.

[0054] As shown in [Fig. 1], the electrochemical cells 32 of each battery module 30 are arranged in the battery module housing 40 side by side along the transverse axis Y. In other words, each electrochemical cell 32 extends essentially perpendicularly to the transverse axis Y. Thus, displacement of the electrochemical cells 32 along the transverse axis Y is prevented by the first and second terminal plates 50, 54. During operation of the battery system 18, any potential swelling of the electrochemical cells 32 of each battery module 30 is thus prevented by the first terminal plate 50 and the second terminal plate 54. Advantageously, the first and second terminal plates 50, 54 compress the electrochemical cells 32 along the transverse axis Y.

[0055] Furthermore, the casing 40 of each battery module 30 is sealed, in particular sealed against fluids, preferably sealed against solids, liquids, and gases, isolating the electrochemical cells from the outside. More specifically, the casing of each battery module, formed by the casing 40, the first terminal plate 50, and the second terminal plate 54, is sealed. Thus, the upper wall 46 and the lower wall 48 are fixed to the side walls 42, 44, to the first terminal plate 50, and to the second terminal plate 54 in a sealed manner, for example, by using sealed fastening means or by providing sealing gaskets.

[0056] Advantageously, each battery module 30 carries an electronic card 55 allowing, for example, the control and / or monitoring of the operation of the battery module 30. In the example, the electronic card 55 is located at the level of the second terminal plate 54, in other words is fixed to the second terminal plate 54.

[0057] Advantageously, the housing 40 of each battery module 30 includes a discharge channel 56, which extends parallel to the transverse axis Y and opens into the second terminal plate 54. Preferably, the discharge channel 56 is formed in the upper wall 46, so as to form a wall 14 against the ground of the vehicle 10. The discharge channel 56 of a battery module 30 opens, along the vertical axis Z, at the level of the fusible walls 57 of the electrochemical cells 32 of the battery module. In the event of a runaway of an electrochemical cell 32, a release of hot gas may occur within the cell, leading to a pressure increase. The fusible wall 57 is dimensioned to give way under the force exerted by this pressure, so as to connect the interior of the electrochemical cell 32 to the evacuation channel 56 in the event of runaway of the electrochemical cell, thus allowing the evacuation of the gases produced out of the battery system 18.Preferably, the floor 14 also has several evacuation channels 58, each evacuation channel 58 being arranged opposite the evacuation channel 56 of a battery module 30, so as to facilitate the evacuation of gases produced by the electrochemical cells in case of runaway.

[0058] The cooling system 34 comprises a chassis 60 extending along the longitudinal axis X, i.e., perpendicular to the transverse axis Y along which the housings 40 of the battery modules 30 extend. The chassis 60 is configured to be fixed to the floor 14 of the vehicle, in the example under the floor of the vehicle.

[0059] The cooling system 34 comprises an inlet duct 62 and an outlet duct 64, both disposed in the chassis 60 and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In other words, the inlet duct 62 and the outlet duct 64 extend into the chassis 60. The inlet duct 62 and the outlet duct 64 are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic circuit 24, such that the inlet duct 62 is supplied with refrigerant and such that the outlet duct 64 allows for the discharge of refrigerant, for example under the effect of the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic circuit 24.

[0060] In addition, each battery module 30 is hydraulically connected on one side to the inlet duct 62 and on the other side to the outlet duct 64, so as to allow a circulation of refrigerant fluid from the inlet duct 62 to the inlet duct 64 via the battery modules 30, thus allowing the cooling of the electrochemical cells 32.

[0061] In practice, for each battery module 30, the first terminal plate 50 comprises an inlet channel 65A and an outlet channel 65B, which are formed in the body 51 and are more clearly visible in [Fig. 4]. The inlet channel 65A is hydraulically connected to the inlet conduit 62 and the outlet channel 65B is hydraulically connected to the outlet conduit 64. In other words, the refrigerant enters each battery module 30 through its inlet channel 65A and exits through its outlet channel 65B.

[0062] Preferably, the inlet channel 65A and the outlet channel 65B open from the body 51 in the first direction Dl. In the example, the inlet channel 65A and the outlet channel 65B open onto the upper face 52A of the projection 52.

[0063] To hydraulically connect the inlet channel 65A to the inlet conduit 62 and the outlet channel 65B to the outlet conduit 64, the battery system 30 includes respectively inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68.

[0064] Each inlet fluid connection 66 is associated with the first terminal plate 50 of one of the battery modules 30 and extends between the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 and the associated first terminal plate 50, parallel to the vertical axis Z, so as to connect the inlet conduit 62 to the inlet channel 65A of the associated first terminal plate, thus allowing refrigerant to circulate from the inlet conduit to the battery module 30 via the inlet channel 65A of the associated first terminal plate. Thus, the battery system 18 has as many inlet fluid connections 66 as there are battery modules 30.

[0065] Similarly, each fluid outlet fitting 68 is associated with the first terminal plate 50 of one of the battery modules 30 and extends between the chassis 60 and the associated first terminal plate 50, parallel to the vertical axis, so as to connect the outlet channel 65B of the associated first terminal plate to the outlet conduit 64, thus allowing refrigerant fluid to circulate from the battery module 30 to the outlet conduit 64 via the outlet channel 65B of the associated first terminal plate. Thus, the battery system 18 has as many fluid outlet fittings 68 as there are battery modules 30.

[0066] Thus, a refrigerant supplied by the hydraulic circuit 24 to the inlet conduit 62 circulates to the battery modules 30 via the inlet fluid connections 66, and the inlet channels 65A, then circulates to the outlet conduit 64 via the outlet channels 65B and the outlet fluid connections 68.

[0067] In practice, a first end of the inlet conduit 62 and a first end of the outlet conduit 64 are hydraulically connected to the hydraulic circuit 24, and a second end of the inlet conduit 62 and a second end of the outlet conduit 64 are plugged, i.e., the inlet conduit 62 and the conduit of The outlets 64 are not directly hydraulically connected to each other, but are only hydraulically connected via the fluid fittings 66, 68 and the battery modules 30. Advantageously, fluid circulation within the conduits 62, 64 and within the battery modules 30 is forced by the hydraulic circuit pump 24 and is balanced between the different battery modules 30 because the refrigerant pressures within the battery modules 30 tend to equalize. It is therefore understood that all the battery modules 30 are connected to the cooling system 34 in parallel, meaning that there is no refrigerant circulation between any two battery modules 30.

[0068] In the example, each inlet fluid connection 66 comprises a male element 70 which is fixed to the frame 60 and a female element 72 which is formed in the first associated end plate 50, preferably in the projection 52. In practice, the female element 72 corresponds to the end of the inlet channel 65A. In other words, the female element 72 is formed at the end of the inlet channel 65A, so as to extend along the first direction D1. Similarly, each outlet fluid connection 68 comprises a male element 74 which is fixed to the frame and a female element 76 which is formed in the first associated end plate 50, preferably in the projection 52. In practice, the female element 76 corresponds to the end of the outlet channel 6B5. In other words, the female element 76 is formed at the end of the output channel 65B, so as to extend along the first direction Dl.

[0069] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the male elements 70, 74 are fixed to the first associated terminal plate 50, preferably to the projection 52, and the female elements 72, 76 are provided in the frame 60. In such a variant, the male elements 70, 74 extend respectively from the end of the inlet channel 65A and from the end of the outlet channel 65B, along the direction D1.

[0070] Advantageously, the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68 are rigid connections, preferably quick-connect fittings. Thus, connecting their male element 70, 74 with their female element 72, 76 is simple and efficient. Preferably, the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68 are designed so that they can be connected by a simple bringing-together movement of their male element 70, 74 with their female element 72, 76, without requiring any additional operation, such as screwing or manipulating an engagement element. In this way, positioning the battery modules 30 against the vehicle floor 14 and positioning the terminal plates 50 against the chassis 60 is sufficient to connect the battery modules to the inlet 62 and outlet 64 conduits.In a non-shown variant of the invention, the inlet fluid fittings 66 and the outlet fluid fittings 68 are of a different type, such as screw fittings.

[0071] In practice, the projection 52 of each first terminal plate 50 is located at the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y, so that the chassis 60 is located between the floor 14 of the vehicle 10 and the projections 52 of the terminal plates 50 of the battery modules 30, along the vertical axis Z. Thus, the inlet fluid connection 66 and the outlet fluid connection 68 associated with each first terminal plate 50 extend between the chassis 60 and the projection 52 of said plate of the first terminal plate, allowing the fluid connections to extend between the chassis and the associated first terminal plate 50 along the vertical axis Z.

[0072] In the example, the refrigerant circulates in the battery modules 30 so that the electrochemical cells 32 are immersed in the refrigerant. Thus, in the example, the refrigerant is dielectric, so as to avoid short-circuiting the electrochemical cells 32. In practice, the refrigerant enters each battery module 30 through the inlet channel 65A, which extends into the terminal plate 50 and then into the battery module so as to distribute the refrigerant between the electrochemical cells 32 and the upper wall 46, then circulates between the electrochemical cells 32 and the side walls 42, 44, then circulates between the electrochemical cells 32 and the lower wall 48 to the outlet channel 65B.

[0073] In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant circulates within the battery modules 30 in metal plates, referred to as "cold plates," which are in contact with the electrochemical cells 32 to cool the electrochemical cells. For example, metal plates are interposed between the electrochemical cells 32, so that each electrochemical cell is in contact with two metal plates. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more metal plates extend parallel to the lower wall 48 and / or parallel to one or both of the side walls 42, 44 of the housing 40, being in contact with a lower face and / or with one or two side faces of each electrochemical cell 32.

[0074] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, battery modules 30 are arranged on either side of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y; that is, battery modules 30 are arranged to the left and right of the chassis. The chassis 60 is thus positioned at the center of the battery system 18, along the transverse axis Y. In other words, in the example, the battery modules 30 are aligned in pairs along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, one length of each battery module 30 corresponds to approximately half the width of the battery system 18.

[0075] Preferably, the inlet duct 62 and the outlet duct 64 are juxtaposed along the vertical axis Z and are aligned along the transverse axis Y. In the example, the inlet duct 62 and the outlet duct 64 are centered with respect to the chassis 60, along the transverse axis.

[0076] Advantageously, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the outlet conduit 64 is positioned above the inlet conduit 62 along the vertical axis Z, meaning that the outlet conduit is closer to the ground than the inlet conduit. Furthermore, the width of the outlet conduit 64, measured along the transverse axis Y, is greater than the width of the inlet conduit 62, measured along the transverse axis. In addition, the inlet fluid fittings 66 are centered relative to the frame 60 along the transverse axis Y, and the outlet fluid fittings 68 are offset relative to the frame along the transverse axis. In other words, the inlet fluid fittings 66 and the outlet fluid fittings 68 are not positioned at the same level, or are offset, along the transverse axis Y.Similarly, for each battery module 30, the 65A input channel and the 65B output channel are offset from each other along the transverse Y axis, with the 65A input channel centered relative to the chassis and the output channel offset relative to the chassis.

[0077] Thus, the cutting plane of [Fig.4] is off-center with respect to the chassis 60, so as to pass through the outlet conduit 64 but not through the inlet conduit 62: on [Fig.4], the end of the outlet channel 65B and the outlet fluidic fitting 68 are thus visible while the end of the inlet channel 65A is not visible.

[0078] Thanks to this design of the cooling system 34, the compactness of the cooling system is improved, since a single inlet duct 62 and a single outlet duct 64 are sufficient to allow circulation of refrigerant in the battery modules 30 arranged on either side of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y. This design of the cooling system 34 is therefore particularly advantageous in the example, where the battery modules 30 are arranged on either side of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y. It should be noted that, in the example, the inlet channels 65A of two battery modules 30 arranged on either side of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y, are aligned along the transverse axis Y, that is to say, they are located at the same level, more specifically centered with respect to the chassis 60.

[0079] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the position of the inlet ducts 62 and outlet ducts 64 are reversed, so that the inlet duct is arranged above the outlet duct, along the vertical axis Z. In such a variant, the width of the inlet duct 62 is greater than the width of the outlet duct 64, the outlet fluid fittings 68 are centered with respect to the chassis and the inlet fluid fittings 66 are offset with respect to the chassis.

[0080] In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the cooling system 34 comprises two inlet ducts 62 and one outlet duct 64, the inlet ducts 62 being arranged on either side of the outlet duct 64, along the transverse axis Y, so that one of the two inlet ducts supplies the refrigerant to battery modules 30 are located on one side of the chassis 30, along the transverse axis Y, and the other of the two inlet ducts supplies refrigerant to the battery modules 30 located on the other side of the chassis 30, along the transverse axis Y. In such a variant, for each battery module 30, the inlet channel 65A is located at the center of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y, and the outlet channel 65B is offset from the center of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y. According to another analogous variant, the cooling system 34 comprises an inlet duct 62 and two outlet ducts 64 arranged on either side of the inlet duct.

[0081] Advantageously, each battery module 30 is fixed to the ground 14, on the one hand at the level of its first terminal plate 50 and on the other hand at the level of its second terminal plate 54.

[0082] In particular, the battery system 18 comprises fastening elements 80, each fastening element 80 being associated with the first terminal plate 50 of one of the battery modules 30 and extending between the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 and the first associated terminal plate, parallel to the vertical axis Z. Thus, each fastening element 80 allows the first associated terminal plate 50 to be fixed to the chassis 60 and therefore, indirectly, to the floor 16 of the vehicle. In the example, each fastening element 80 extends between the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 and the protrusion 52 of the first associated terminal plate 50.

[0083] In practice, the cutting plane of [Fig.4] passes through the fixing elements 80.

[0084] The terminal plates 50 of the battery modules 30 therefore allow both to fix the battery modules to the chassis and hydraulically connect the battery modules to the inlet 62 and outlet 64 conduits, thereby improving the compactness of the battery system 18.

[0085] Since the fastening elements 80 extend along the vertical axis Z, like the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68, a movement of a battery module 30 towards the chassis 60, along the vertical axis Z, simultaneously allows the battery module to be positioned to allow the installation of the fastening elements 80 and the engagement of the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68.

[0086] In the example, each fastening element 80 comprises a threaded element 82, preferably a screw, which extends through the projection 52 of the first associated end plate and is screwed into a nut 84 of the fastening element 80, such as a rivet nut, the nut 84 being fixed to the frame 60. Thus, the threaded elements 82 pass through the body 51 of the first end plate 50, more precisely the projection 52, parallel to the vertical axis Z. In a variant not shown, other types of fastening elements 80 may be used. The use of threaded elements 82 and nuts 84 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the mounting of the end plates 50 onto the frame 60, as this mounting is carried out simply by positioning the battery modules 30 against the ground 14 and against the chassis 60, then screwing in the threaded elements 82.

[0087] In the example, each first end plate 50 is fixed to the chassis 60 using two fixing elements 80. In a variant not shown, a different number of fixing elements 80 can be used to fix each first end plate to the chassis, for example one or four fixing elements.

[0088] Furthermore, each battery module 30 includes fastening members 85, which are arranged in the body 51 of the first terminal plate 50 and which cooperate with the fastening elements 80 to allow the first terminal plate 50 to be attached to the chassis 60. Thus, each fastening element 80 is associated with a fastening member 85. In practice, the fastening members 85 extend along the vertical axis Z. In the example, each fastening member 85 has a through hole 85A, which passes through the body 51, and an insert 85B, arranged in the through hole 85A and cooperating with the threaded element 82 of the fastening element 80. Here, the threaded elements 82 being screws, the insert of each fastening member forms a stop surface for the screw head of the associated screw. The insert 85B is preferably a metal insert.In practice, the insert 85B of each fastener 85 is either threaded, so that the threaded element 82 of the associated fastener 80 is fixed to the fastener 85, or smooth, so as to allow the passage and guidance of the threaded element 82 without being directly fixed to the threaded element. In a non-shown variant of the invention, the fasteners 85 do not have an insert 85B and / or have other elements cooperating with the fasteners 80.

[0089] Advantageously, each battery module 30 is also fixed to the ground 14 at its second terminal plate 54 by means of fastening elements 86, in the example by means of two fastening elements. Here, the fastening elements 86 are comparable to the fastening elements 80, that is to say, they comprise a threaded element passing through the second terminal plate 54 extending parallel to the vertical axis Z and a nut fixed to the ground 14.

[0090] Advantageously, the first terminal plate 50 of each battery module 30 has a positive terminal 88A and a negative terminal 88B, fixed to the body 51. Preferably, the positive and negative terminals 88A, 88B are located on the side of the lower wall 48 of the housing 40, i.e., on the side opposite the inlet 66 and outlet 68 fluid connections. In the example, the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B extend from the projection 52 along the vertical axis Z, away from the chassis 60, so as to extend along the second direction D2. In other words, the positive and negative terminals 88A, 88B extend opposite the inlet 66 and outlet 68 fluid connections.

[0091] In the example, the positive terminal 88A is formed of two conductive rods and the negative terminal 88B is formed of two conductive rods. In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B are formed respectively by a single conductive rod, by more than two conductive rods, or by conductive elements other than conductive rods.

[0092] In practice, for each battery module 30, the positive terminal 88A is connected to a positive terminal of the electrochemical cells 3 and the negative terminal 88B is connected to a negative terminal of the electrochemical cells.

[0093] In the example, for each battery module 30, the positive terminal 88A is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells 32 by a first electrical conductor 89A extending from the positive terminal 88A to the inside of the housing 40, and the negative terminal 88B is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells by a second electrical conductor 89B extending from the negative terminal to the inside of the housing. Furthermore, the body 51 of the first terminal plate 50 is overmolded onto the first electrical conductor 89A and onto the second electrical conductor 89B. Thus, the sealing of the enclosure formed by the housing 40 and the terminal plates 50, 54 is ensured at the first and second electrical conductors 89A, 89B.It should be noted that, since the refrigerant is dielectric, the electrical conductors 89A, 89B can be in contact with the refrigerant inside the battery module 30 without risk of a short circuit. In the example, the first and second electrical conductors 89A, 89B are metal strips, which have the advantage of being compact, thus improving the overall size of the battery module 30.

[0094] Furthermore, in the example, a first of the two positive and negative terminals 88A, 88B is located near the side wall 42 of the housing 40 while the second of the two positive and negative terminals is located near the side wall 44 of the housing.

[0095] By means of the positive and negative terminals 88A, 88B, two battery modules placed side-by-side along the longitudinal axis X are electrically connected in series. More specifically, the terminal located near the side wall 42 of the housing 40 of the first of the two side-by-side battery modules is electrically connected to the terminal located near the side wall 44 of the housing 40 of the second of the two side-by-side battery modules. In other words, the positive terminal 88A of a battery module 30 is connected to the negative terminal 88B of a side-by-side battery module.

[0096] Furthermore, the electrical connection between the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B of two juxtaposed battery modules 30 is made with a battery system connection element 18, which is not shown in Figures 1 to 4. Preferably, each connection element is an interconnecting bar, which allows the two juxtaposed battery modules 30 to be fixed together along the axis longitudinal X, in addition to allowing the electrical connection in series of the two battery modules.

[0097] The terminal plates 50 of the battery modules 30 thus allow both the battery modules to be fixed to the chassis, the battery modules to be hydraulically connected to the inlet 62 and outlet 64 conduits and the battery modules to be electrically connected to each other, thus improving the compactness of the battery system 18.

[0098] In the example, and as more clearly seen in [Fig. 4], for each battery module 30, the projection 52 has two notches 90, located respectively at the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B, so that the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B extend from the notches 90 along the vertical axis Z towards the lower wall 48, i.e. in the second direction D2, but without extending beyond the lower wall 48 of the housing 40. In other words, the positive and negative terminals do not protrude from the lower wall 48, reducing the risk of damaging the electrical contacts when the battery modules are handled or transported.

[0099] One advantage of the battery system 18 is that its assembly is particularly simple. Indeed, this assembly is carried out first by fixing the chassis 60 to the floor 14, in the example under the floor 14, and more specifically by juxtaposing the different sections of the chassis along the longitudinal axis X. Then the battery modules 30 are positioned against the floor 14 and against the chassis 60 by being moved along the vertical axis Z, allowing the terminal plates 50 to be connected to the inlet conduit 62 and the outlet conduit 64, respectively with the inlet fluid fittings 66 and the outlet fluid fittings 68, without any manipulation of the inlet and outlet fluid fittings being required. The battery modules 30 are then fixed, on the one hand to the chassis 60 using the fixing elements 80, and on the other hand to the ground 14 using the fixing elements 86.Finally, the battery modules 30 are electrically connected to each other using the positive terminal 88A and negative terminal 88B, which are electrically connected using the connecting elements. In particular, thanks to the design of the battery system 18, no intervention on the cooling system 34 is necessary during the assembly of the battery system, as positioning the battery modules is sufficient to connect them to the inlet conduit 62 and the outlet conduit 64.

[0100] The facilitation of the assembly of the battery system 18 thus arises in particular from the fact that the first terminal plate 50 of each battery module groups the mechanical, fluidic and electrical connections of the battery module with the chassis 60.

[0101] In addition, the fact that the fluid and electrical connections are gathered at the level of the first terminal plate 50, through which the battery module 30 is fixed to the chassis 60, also facilitates the design of the battery system 18, because the positioning of the positive 88A and negative 88B terminals, the fixing elements 86 and the inlet 66 and outlet 68 fluid connections is more easily controlled, reducing the tolerance constraints during the manufacture of the battery modules 30 and during their assembly within the battery system 18.

[0102] Another advantage of the battery system 18 is that its architecture strengthens the vehicle 10 by increasing its rigidity. Indeed, the casing 40 of each battery module, being tubular and extending along the transverse axis Y, strengthens both the battery system 18 and the vehicle by increasing their rigidity along the transverse axis, as the tubular casing is particularly well-suited to resisting compressive forces oriented along the transverse axis. Thus, in the event of a lateral impact against the vehicle 10, the risk of damage to the electrochemical cells 32 is reduced, because the casings 40 of the battery modules help absorb the shock and protect the electrochemical cells. Similarly, excessive deformation of the vehicle along the transverse axis Y is avoided, in particular crushing of the vehicle against the ground 14.It is noted that, thanks to the design of the battery system 18 and the tubular housings 40, the battery system 18 is advantageously devoid of any other cross members extending along the transverse axis Y, as such cross members are unnecessary. Furthermore, the fact that the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 extends along the longitudinal axis X is particularly advantageous for stiffening the battery system 18 and the vehicle 10 along the longitudinal axis, since the chassis 60 acts as a cross member, i.e., as a longitudinal reinforcement. In addition to housing the inlet duct 62 and the outlet duct 64, the chassis 60 thus acts as a mechanical reinforcement that contributes to the strength and rigidity of the vehicle 10.

[0103] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the battery modules 30 are not fixed under the floor 14, but on the floor, that is to say, they are located above the floor and not below it. In such a variant, the frame 60 is still arranged between the floor 14 and the projections 52 of the end plates 50, but is thus arranged below the end plates. In such a variant, as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the conduit between the inlet conduit 62 and the outlet conduit 64 that is closest to the floor 14, along the vertical axis Z, has a greater width than the conduit furthest from the floor 14, and the fluid inlet fittings 66 or outlet fittings 68 associated with this conduit are offset relative to the frame 60.

[0104] Another embodiment of the battery system 18 is now described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The battery system 18 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 is suitable for use in the vehicle 10 of [Fig. 1]. In the mode In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, elements analogous to those in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 bear the same reference numerals and function in the same way. If a reference numeral is used in the description of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 but is not reproduced in Figures 5 and 6, it corresponds to the part or component bearing the same reference numeral in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. The following primarily describes the differences between each embodiment and the preceding one.

[0105] In [Fig. 5], a portion of the battery system 18 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6 is depicted, with seven battery modules 30 shown.

[0106] In [Fig.6], only four battery modules 30 juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis X are shown.

[0107] As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the battery system 18 of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 comprises several battery modules 30 juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis X as well as battery modules 30 arranged on both sides of the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34, so that the battery modules 30 are aligned two by two, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0108] In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 40 of each battery module 30 is a single piece, that is to say, it comprises two side walls 42, 44, an upper wall 46 and a lower wall 48 which are a single piece. For example, the housing 40 is formed from a tube with a rectangular cross-section, preferably an aluminum tube.

[0109] In addition, the first terminal plate 50 and the second terminal plate 54 are not monobloc with the housing 40, that is to say they are separate from the housing and fixed to the housing.

[0110] Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the electrochemical cells 32 are inserted into the housing 40 from one of the two ends of the housing, along the transverse axis Y, corresponding to the module axis. For example, the electrochemical cells 32 are inserted into the housing 40 from its first end 40A before the first terminal plate 50 is attached.

[0111] The cooling system 34 comprises an outlet duct 64 and two inlet ducts 62, arranged on either side of the outlet duct 64, along the transverse axis Y. All battery modules 30 are hydraulically connected to the outlet duct 64, while the battery modules arranged to the left of the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y, are hydraulically connected to the inlet duct 62 arranged to the left of the outlet duct 64, and the battery modules arranged to the right of the chassis 60 are hydraulically connected to the inlet duct 62 arranged to the right of the outlet duct. In a non-shown embodiment of the invention, the cooling system comprises an inlet duct 62 and two outlet ducts 64, arranged on either side of the inlet duct 62, along the transverse axis Y.

[0112] The cooling system 34 includes supports 92, which extend from the chassis 60 along the vertical axis Z, here downwards. In practice, the supports 92 are aligned in pairs along the longitudinal axis X.

[0113] Here, each inlet fluid connection 66 comprises a male element 70, which is fixed to the first associated end plate 50, and a female element 72, which is provided in one of the supports 92 of the frame 60. Similarly, each outlet fluid connection 68 comprises a male element 74, which is fixed to the first associated end plate 50, and a female element 76, which is provided in one of the supports 92 of the frame 60. In practice, the female elements 72, 76 for connecting the battery modules 30 arranged on the left side of the frame 60 to the inlet conduit 62 located to the left of the outlet conduit 64 are provided in a support 92 located on the left half of the frame 60, and the female elements 72, 76 for connecting the battery modules 30 arranged on the right side of the frame 60 to the inlet conduit 62 located to the right of the conduit output 64 are provided in a support 92 located on the right half of the chassis 60.

[0114] In addition, the first terminal plate 50 of each battery module 30 does not have a projection 52, but has two recesses 94, the male element 70 of the corresponding inlet fluid fitting 66 being fixed in one of the two recesses 94 and the male element 74 of the corresponding outlet fluid fitting 68 being fixed in the other of the two recesses 94. Moreover, as can be seen in [Fig. 5], for two battery modules 30 juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis X, two of their recesses 94 are juxtaposed, i.e. are arranged next to each other, so that one of the supports 92 of the cooling system 34 fits into these two recesses. In other words, the supports 92 of the cooling system 34 have a shape complementary to the shape of two notches 94 of two adjacent battery modules.

[0115] Advantageously, for each battery module 30, a first notch 94 is located at the level of the side wall 42 and a second notch is located at the level of the side wall 44, along the longitudinal axis X.

[0116] Thus, the first terminal plate 50 of each battery module 30 is located at the chassis 60, along the transverse axis Y, so that the chassis is located between the ground 14 and the terminal plates of the battery modules, along the vertical axis Z.

[0117] As in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, each battery module 30 has a positive terminal 88A and a negative terminal 88B, which are electrically connected in pairs, for connecting the battery modules 30 in series using connecting elements 96. In this example, the connecting elements 96 are interconnecting bars. The positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B of each battery module 30 extend along the vertical axis Z from the first plate terminal 50 of the battery module, more precisely from the notches 90 of the first terminal plate, so that the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B do not extend beyond the lower wall 48 of the housing 40.

[0118] Advantageously, when a connecting element 96 is fixed between them and electrically connects two juxtaposed battery modules 30, and when the battery modules 30 are fixed to the chassis 60, then the connecting element prevents access to the fixing elements 80, i.e. the connecting element prevents the removal of the fixing elements 80 and thus prevents the dismantling of the battery modules.

[0119] Each battery module 30 is fixed to the floor 14 of the vehicle using the fixing elements 80 and the fixing elements 86.

[0120] In particular, for each battery module 30, the first terminal plate 50 is fixed to two supports 92 using two fixing elements 80, so that the first terminal plate is indirectly fixed to the ground 14, via the supports 92 and the chassis 60.

[0121] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the battery system 18 also includes two cross members 98, which are fixed to the floor 14, in the example below the floor. Each cross member 98 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X, i.e., parallel to the chassis 60. In addition, the cross members 98 are preferably aligned with the chassis 60 along the vertical axis Z. Of the two cross members 98, one is located to the left of the chassis 60 and the other is located to the right of the chassis.

[0122] The battery system 18 also includes supports 100, which are attached to the cross members 98 and extend downwards along the vertical axis Z. The supports 100 have a shape comparable to, preferably identical to, the shape of the supports 92. In addition, the fastening elements 86 allow the second terminal plates 54 of the battery modules 30 to be attached to the supports 100, rather than directly attaching the second terminal plates 54 to the vehicle floor as in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0123] Furthermore, the second end plate 54 of each battery module 30 has two recesses 102, which receive the supports 100 when the outer walls are attached to the supports 100 by the fastening elements 86. For two battery modules 30 placed side by side along the longitudinal axis X, two of their recesses 102 are side by side, that is, they are arranged next to each other, so that one of the supports 100 attached to one of the cross members 98 fits into these two recesses. In other words, the supports 100 have a shape complementary to the shape of two recesses 102 of two adjacent battery modules.

[0124] Thus, the battery modules 30 arranged to the left of the chassis 60 are fixed on one side to the chassis and on the other side to the cross member 98 located to the left of the chassis 60 and the Battery modules 30 arranged to the right of chassis 60 are fixed on one side to the chassis and on the other side to the cross member 98 located to the right of the chassis.

[0125] Another embodiment of the vehicle 10 is now described, with reference to [Fig. 7]. In the embodiment of [Fig. 7], the elements analogous to those in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 5 and 6 bear the same reference numerals and function in the same way. If a reference numeral is used in the description of the embodiment of [Fig. 7] but is not reproduced in [Fig. 7], it corresponds to the part or component bearing the same reference numeral in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 5 and 6. The following primarily describes the differences between each embodiment and the preceding one.

[0126] Fig. 7 is a view analogous to that of Fig. 3, of a battery module 30. In Fig. 7, only part of the battery module is shown: the electrochemical cells 32 and the upper wall 46 of the housing 40 are not shown.

[0127] The battery module 30 of [Fig.7] differs from that of [Fig.3] essentially in its first terminal plate 50. Here the projection 52 of the first terminal plate 50 comprises a first part 52C and a second part 52D, which each move away from the rest of the body 51 along the transverse axis Y and which each have a top face 52A.

[0128] Furthermore, the inlet channel 65A opens into the first part 52C of the projection 52 and the outlet channel 65B opens into the second part 52D of the projection 52. Thus, the female element 72 of the inlet fluid connection 66 is provided in the first part 52C while the female element 76 of the outlet fluid connection 68 is provided in the second part 52D. Here, the inlet channel 65A and the outlet channel 65B are aligned with each other along the transverse axis Y.

[0129] In addition, the fastening members 85 do not pass through the projection 52, but the body 51 at a distance from the projection 52.

[0130] In addition, the first terminal plate 50 has two notches 90, which are provided in the body 51 but not in the projection 52. The notches 90 form a lower face 52B of the body 51, from which the positive terminal 88A and the negative terminal 88B extend.

[0131] Thus, the first and second parts of the projection 52 have the sole function of enabling the hydraulic connection of the battery module to the cooling system 34, by opening the inlet and outlet channels 65A, 65B on their upper face 52A.

[0132] In the embodiments described above, the battery modules 30 are mounted by bringing the battery modules closer to the ground 14 along the vertical axis Z, i.e., the inlet fluid connections 66, the outlet fluid connections 68 and the fixing elements 80 extend along the vertical axis Z, which allows for simplified assembly of the battery system 18.

[0133] In a non-shown variant of the invention, the battery modules 30 are mounted by bringing the battery modules closer to the ground 14 along an axis oblique to the vertical axis Z. Bringing the battery modules 30 closer to the ground 14 at an angle to the vertical axis Z is, for example, advantageous for space reasons, when sufficient space to bring them closer along the vertical axis Z is not available.

[0134] Thus, in such a variant, the inlet fluid connections 66 and the outlet fluid connections 68 extend between the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 and the associated end plate 50 obliquely to the vertical axis Z, i.e. obliquely with respect to the vertical axis Z. In such a variant, the mounting of the battery modules 30 on the floor 14 is also carried out without any manipulation of the inlet and outlet fluid connections being required.

[0135] Furthermore, in such a variant, the fastening elements 80 extend between the chassis 60 of the cooling system 34 and the associated end plate 50 either parallel to the vertical axis Z or obliquely to the vertical axis Z, i.e., obliquely with respect to the vertical axis Z. Indeed, the fact that the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68 extend obliquely to the vertical axis Z does not necessarily imply that the fastening elements 80 also extend obliquely to the vertical axis Z. In other words, it is not necessary for the fastening elements 80 to extend parallel to the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68. Thus, it is also understood that, when the inlet fluid connections 66 and outlet fluid connections 68 extend parallel to the vertical axis Z, it is also possible for the fastening elements 80 extend obliquely to the vertical Z axis.

[0136] By "a component extends obliquely with respect to the vertical axis Z" or "a component extends obliquely with respect to the vertical axis Z", it is understood here that an oriented angle formed between the direction in which said component extends and the vertical axis Z is between -45° and 45°. In other words, an angle between the direction in which said component extends and the longitudinal axis X, measured in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z, is greater than 45°, and an angle between the direction in which said component extends and the transverse axis Y, measured in a plane passing through the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, is greater than 45°.

[0137] Any feature described for an embodiment or variant in the foregoing may also be implemented for the other embodiments and variants described above, provided that it is technically feasible. Nomenclature#:

[0138] 10: vehicle; 12: wheels; 14: vehicle floor; 16: engine; 18: system of Batteries; 20: Inverter; 22: Electrical box; 24: Hydraulic circuit; 30: Battery module; 32: Electrochemical cell; 34: Cooling system; 40: Housing; 40A: First end housing; 40B: Second end housing; 42: Side wall housing; 44: Side wall housing; 46: Top wall housing; 48: Bottom wall housing; 50: First end plate; 52: Protruding end plate; 52A: Top face protruding; 52B: Bottom face protruding; 54: Second end plate; 56: Battery module drain channel; 57: Fuse wall; 58: Ground drain channel; 60: Cooling system chassis; 62: Inlet duct; 64: Outlet duct; 65A: Inlet channel; 65B: Outlet channel; 66: Inlet fluid fittings; 68: Fluid outlet fittings; 70: Male element of the fluid inlet fittings; 72: Female element of the fluid inlet fittings;74: Male element of the fluid outlet fittings; 76: Female element of the fluid outlet fittings; 80: Fastening elements; 82: Screw; 84: Nut; 85: Fastening elements; 85A: Through hole; 85B: Insert; 86: Fastening elements; 88A: Positive terminal; 88B: Negative terminal; 89A: First electrical conductor; 89B: Second electrical conductor; 90: End plate notch; 92: Supports; 94: End plate notches; 96: Connection elements; 98: Crossbars; 100: Supports; 102: External face notches.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery module (30) for a battery system (18) of an electric or hybrid vehicle (10), the battery module (30) comprising: - a housing (40), the housing being tubular and extending parallel to a module axis (Y), - a first terminal plate (50) closing a first end (40A) of the housing (40) along the module axis (Y), - a second terminal plate (54) closing a second end (40B) of the housing (40) along the module axis (Y), - electrochemical cells (32) arranged in the housing (40) by being juxtaposed along the module axis (Y) between the first terminal plate (50) and the second terminal plate (54), wherein the first terminal plate (50) comprises: - a body (51), - an input channel (65A) formed in the body (51) and configured to allow supply of the battery module (30) in refrigerant fluid, and an output channel (65B),provided in the body (51) and configured to allow refrigerant fluid to drain out of the battery module (30), so as to allow refrigerant fluid to circulate in the battery module (30) between the inlet channel (65A) and the outlet channel (65B), allowing the electrochemical cells (32) to cool; - a positive terminal (88A) and a negative terminal (88B), fixed to the body (51), electrically connected to the electrochemical cells (32) and extending out of the housing (40); and - fastening members (85), disposed in the body (51) and configured to allow the battery module (30) to be fixed to the vehicle (10).

2. Battery module (30) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet channel (65A) and the outlet channel (65B) are configured to be hydraulically connected respectively with an inlet fluid connection (66) and an outlet fluid connection (68) of the battery system (18), the inlet fluid connection (66) and the connection outlet fluidic (68) being configured to extend parallel or obliquely to a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the modulus axis (Y).

3. Battery module (30) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the housing (40), the first terminal plate (50) and the second terminal plate (54) form a fluid-tight enclosure for the battery module (30).

4. Battery module (30) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the positive terminal (88A) is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells (32) by a first electrical conductor (89A) extending from the positive terminal (88A) to the inside of the housing (40), wherein the negative terminal (88B) is electrically connected to the electrochemical cells (32) by a second electrical conductor (89B) extending from the negative terminal (88B) to the inside of the housing (40) and wherein the body (51) of the first terminal plate (50) is overmolded on the first electrical conductor (89A) and on the second electrical conductor (89B).

5. Battery module (30) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the housing (40) is monobloc and wherein the body (51) of the first terminal plate (50) and the second terminal plate (54) are fixed to the housing (40).

6. Battery module (30) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the housing (40) comprises two side walls (42, 44), an upper wall (46) and a lower wall (48) and wherein the body (51) of the first terminal plate (50), the second terminal plate (54) and the two side walls (42, 44) are one piece.

7. Battery module (30) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the input channel (65A) and the output channel (65B) extend from the body (51) of the first terminal plate (50) in a first vertical direction (D1) parallel or oblique to a vertical axis (Z), the vertical axis being perpendicular to the module axis (Y), wherein the positive terminal (88A) and the negative terminal (88B) extend from the body (51) in a second vertical direction (D2) parallel or oblique to the vertical axis (Z) and opposite to the first vertical direction (D1), and wherein the fastening members (85) pass through the body (51) of the first terminal plate (50) parallel or oblique to the vertical axis (Z).

8. Battery system (18), for electric or hybrid vehicle (10), comprising: - battery modules (30), each battery module (30) being according to any one of claims 1-7, and - a cooling system (34), hydraulically connected to the inlet channel (65A) and the outlet channel (65B) of each battery module (30) so as to permit cooling of the electrochemical cells (32) of each battery module.

9. Battery system (18) according to claim 8, wherein the cooling system (34) comprises: - a chassis (60), extending along a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the module axis (Y) of each battery module (30) and configured to correspond to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (10), - an inlet duct (62), extending in the chassis (60) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), the inlet duct (62) being configured to be supplied with refrigerant, and - an outlet duct (64), extending in the chassis (60) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), the outlet duct (64) being configured to allow the discharge of refrigerant, and wherein the battery system (18) comprises: - inlet fluid connections (66),each inlet fluid connection (66) being associated with the first terminal plate (50) of one of the battery modules (30) and extending between the chassis (60) of the cooling system (34) and the associated first terminal plate (50), parallel or oblique to a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the module axis (Y) and the longitudinal axis (Y), each inlet fluid connection (66) connecting the inlet conduit (62) to the inlet channel (65A) of the associated first terminal plate (50), so that, to allow refrigerant fluid to circulate from the inlet duct to the inlet channel, - outlet fluid fittings (68), each outlet fluid fitting (68) being associated with the first end plate (50) of one of the battery modules (30) and extending between the chassis (60) of the cooling system (34) and the first associated end plate (50), parallel or oblique to the vertical axis (Z), each outlet fluid fitting (68) connecting the outlet channel (65B) of the first associated end plate to the outlet duct (64), so as to allow refrigerant fluid to circulate from the outlet channel to the outlet duct, and - fastening elements (80), each fastening element (80) being associated with the first end plate (50) of one of the battery modules (30) and extending between the chassis (60) of the cooling system (34) and the first associated end plate,parallel or oblique to the vertical axis (Z), each fastening element (80) cooperating with a fastening member (85) of the first associated end plate (50) to fix the first associated end plate to the chassis (60).

10. Battery system (18) according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the battery modules (30) are juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis (X) and wherein two battery modules juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis are fixed to each other.

11. Battery system (18) according to claim 10, wherein two battery modules (30) juxtaposed along the longitudinal axis (X) are electrically connected via a connecting element (96) of the battery system (18), the connecting element (96) being electrically connected to the positive terminal (88A) of one of the two juxtaposed battery modules (30) and to the negative terminal (88B) of the other of the two juxtaposed battery modules (30), the connecting element (96) fixing the two juxtaposed battery modules to each other.

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