Assembly of electrochemical elements, battery module, assembly and associated process

Abstract

Electrochemical element assembly, battery module, assembly and associated method. The assembly (14) comprises a first block (16E) and a second block (16F) of electrochemical elements (18), and a retaining assembly (32) for the electrochemical elements (18) comprising two end structures and two lateral structures. The retaining assembly (32) for the first block (16E) comprises a first wedge (74A) projecting from one of the two end and / or lateral structures along a block connection direction. The retaining assembly (32) for the second block (16F) comprises a second wedge (74B) projecting from one of the end structures and / or along the connection direction. The first and second wedges can be engaged with each other by mechanical cooperation, between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block (16E) away from the second block (16F) along the link direction is prevented.Figure for the abbreviation: figure 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly of electrochemical elements, battery module, assembly and associated method

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly of electrochemical elements intended to be introduced into a battery module, comprising: - at least a first block of electrochemical elements and a second block of electrochemical elements, each block comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements applied against each other along a longitudinal axis and an assembly for holding the electrochemical elements comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures holding the electrochemical elements of the block together.

[0002] A battery module generally comprises a plurality of electrochemical elements which are placed against each other in at least one row within a housing. The electrochemical elements are electrically connected to each other and to the terminals of the module.

[0003] During the manufacture of the module, it is therefore necessary to place all the electrochemical elements in the housing.

[0004] In order to simplify the manufacture and electrical connection of the electrochemical elements together, it is known to form blocks of electrochemical elements, by holding a group of electrochemical elements applied against each other by means of a holding assembly.

[0005] The retaining assembly includes, for example, end flanges connected to each other by lateral structures.

[0006] During the assembly of the battery module, the various blocks are arranged in the housing, and each end flange of a block is fixed to the bottom of the housing (or chassis) by means of two fixing points. This mechanical fixing prevents relative movement of the blocks with respect to each other, particularly along the axis of the blocks, but also of the blocks with respect to the chassis. Such movement is likely to occur, in particular, during transport of the battery module to its site of use, or during its use, in the case of an embedded battery module.

[0007] The individual fixing of the blocks in the bottom of the battery module is a tedious operation which generally requires at least four fixing elements (for example vertical tie rods) for each block, fixed in pairs to the respective end flanges of the block.

[0008] For this purpose, a volume must be provided at the end of each block to receive the fastening elements. This volume must not be occupied by electrochemical elements in the battery module, as this reduces the surface power density of the battery module.

[0009] In US 2011 / 0159348, the terminal and / or lateral structures of adjacent blocks are fixed together, for example by inserting fastening elements between structures. The battery module thus produced is very robust, but has the disadvantage of being very complex to assemble.

[0010] US 2017 / 0214011 describes the attachment of a block of battery elements to the walls of a battery module housing.

[0011] An object of the invention is to obtain an assembly of electrochemical elements intended to be easily installed and robustly fixed in a battery module housing, while being less bulky and simpler to assemble.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the holding assembly of the first block comprises a first mechanical engagement wedge of the first block with the second block projecting from a first structure chosen from among the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the holding assembly of the first block, along a connection direction of the blocks, the holding assembly of the second block comprising a second mechanical engagement wedge of the first block with the second block, projecting from a second structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the holding assembly of the second block along the connection direction, the first wedge and the second wedge being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation,between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block away from the second block along the link direction is prevented.

[0013] The assembly according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination: - the first wedge protrudes from a first end structure of the first block's retaining assembly, the second wedge protruding from a second end structure of the second block's retaining assembly located opposite the first end structure of the first block's retaining assembly, and / or the first wedge protrudes from a first lateral structure of the first block's retaining assembly, the second wedge protruding from a second lateral structure of the second block support assembly located opposite the first lateral structure of the first block support assembly; the first wedge includes a lug projecting along an insertion direction perpendicular to the connection direction, the second wedge includes a retaining housing for the lug extending along the insertion direction when the lug is received in the housing; the second wedge includes an additional lug, projecting along the insertion direction perpendicular to the connection direction, the first wedge including an additional housing for receiving the additional lug extending along the insertion direction when the additional lug is received in the additional housing; the additional lug is adjacent to the receiving housing provided in the second hold along the connecting direction, the additional housing provided in the first hold being adjacent to the lug along the connecting direction; in which the additional lug is offset from the housing along the direction of insertion, the housing being offset from the lug along the direction of insertion; the spur has a shape converging towards the housing in the direction of insertion, the housing has a shape diverging towards the spur in the direction of insertion, the diverging shape of the housing being complementary to the convergent shape of the spur; It comprises a third block comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements applied against each other along the longitudinal axis and an assembly for retaining the electrochemical elements comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures maintaining the electrochemical elements of the third block applied against each other, and the assembly for retaining the first block comprises an additional wedge for mechanically engaging the first block with the third block projecting from a first additional structure selected from the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the assembly for retaining the first block, along the direction of connection,the third block support assembly comprising another additional mechanical engagement wedge of the first block with the third block, projecting from a second additional structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the third block support assembly, the , additional wedge and the other additional wedge being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation, between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block away from the third block along the direction of connection is prevented. - the first wedge and the second wedge each comprise a base, the lug protruding from the base of the first wedge, the housing being provided in the base of the second wedge; - the base of the second wedge defines a liquid evacuation window opening along the connection direction, the housing being connected to the window; - the base of the first wedge defines a first through passage for the insertion of a fastening element of the assembly in the battery module, the base of the second wedge comprising a second through passage for the insertion of the fastening element, coaxial with the first through passage when the first wedge and the second wedge are in the engaged configuration; - the base of at least one of the first wedge and the second wedge defines at least one gripping hole of the block, opening in the direction of connection; - the base of the second wedge includes a socket received in the window, the socket defining the gripping orifice, and possibly at least one rib connecting the socket to a periphery of the window; - terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis are formed of terminal flanges, in particular in the form of each of a flat wall, the lateral structures being formed of lateral flanges, in particular in the form of each of a flat wall, or being defined by a band;

[0014] The invention also relates to a battery module comprising: - a case delimiting an internal volume; - at least one assembly of electrochemical elements as defined above, received in the internal volume of the housing, the first wedge and the second wedge occupying the engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block away from the second block along the direction of connection is prevented.

[0015] Advantageously, the battery module is intended to be installed in an electrical power storage system or a ground-based electrical storage bay, or on board a vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a land transport vehicle such as a motor vehicle or rail vehicle, or even a marine or air transport vehicle.

[0016] The invention also relates to a set of parts, comprising: - a first terminal and / or lateral structure of a retaining assembly for a first block of electrochemical elements, comprising a first flange intended to rest on an electrochemical element of the first block, - a first wedge integral with the first structure, the first wedge protruding from the first flange, - a second terminal and / or lateral structure of a retaining assembly for a second block of electrochemical elements, comprising a second flange intended to rest on an electrochemical element of the second block, - a second wedge attached to the second structure, the second wedge protruding from the second flange,

[0017] the first wedge and the second wedge being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation, between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first structure away from the second structure is prevented.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly of electrochemical elements comprising the following steps: - supply of at least a first block of electrochemical elements and a second block of electrochemical elements, each block comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements applied against each other along a longitudinal axis and an assembly for holding the electrochemical elements comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures holding the electrochemical elements of the block against each other,

[0019] the first block retaining assembly comprising a first mechanical engagement wedge of the first block with the second block projecting from a first structure chosen from among the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the first block retaining assembly, along a block connection direction, the second block retaining assembly comprising a second mechanical engagement wedge of the first block with the second block, projecting from a second structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the second block retaining assembly, - engagement of the first wedge and the second wedge with each other by mechanical cooperation, from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block away from the second block along the direction of connection is prevented.

[0020] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which: - [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view of a first battery module comprising a plurality of assemblies of blocks of electrochemical elements according to the invention; - [Fig.2] Fig.2 is an exploded perspective view of a block of elements electrochemical components intended to be integrated into an assembly according to the invention; - [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a first terminal flange and a first wedge intended to be mounted on a first block of electrochemical elements; - [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] is a top perspective view of a second terminal flange and a second wedge intended to be mounted on a second block of electrochemical elements to cooperate with the first wedge mounted on the first block; - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view illustrating the cooperation between the first hold and the second hold; - [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a first method for manufacturing a battery module according to the invention; - [Fig. 7] [Fig. 7] is a view analogous to [Fig. 6] illustrating a second method for manufacturing a battery module according to the invention.

[0021] A first battery module 10 according to the invention is illustrated in exploded perspective on [Fig.1].

[0022] The battery module 10 is intended to constitute or be inserted into an electrical energy power storage system, configured to selectively supply electrical power to a network by discharging the electrochemical elements 18 it contains, or to receive electrical power from the network to recharge the electrochemical elements 18 it contains.

[0023] As illustrated by Figures 1 and 2, the battery module 10 comprises a housing 12, and a plurality of assemblies 14 of blocks 16 of electrochemical elements 18 (a block 16 is visible in [Fig.2]), arranged in the housing 12.

[0024] With reference to [Fig.1], the housing 12 has a base 20 intended to support each assembly 14, side walls 22 projecting vertically from the base 20 and a cover 24 intended to be fixed to the side walls 22, opposite the base 20 to close the housing 12.

[0025] In this example, the housing 12 also includes cross members 26 for reinforcement and longitudinal locking of the blocks 16.

[0026] The housing 12 here has a general parallelepiped shape. The base 20 and the side walls 22 define an internal volume 28 receiving each assembly 14, the internal volume 28 being closed by the lid 24.

[0027] The housing 12 extends here along a longitudinal axis A-A', which is arranged horizontally on the [Fig.1].

[0028] The side walls 22 have end faces generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A', intended to carry terminals, gas circulation ports between the internal volume 28 and the outside of the housing 12, and / or electronic components for measuring internal parameters of the battery module 10.

[0029] The measurement parameters are for example the voltage applied to one or more electrochemical elements 18, or the current delivered to one or more electrochemical elements 18.

[0030] The blocking cross members 26 extend through the internal volume 28, parallel to a transverse axis B-B' relative to the axis A-A', between the lateral walls 22.

[0031] In the example of [Fig. 1], each assembly 14 of the plurality of assemblies 14 forms a row of blocks 16 of electrochemical elements 18, which here extends parallel to the axis A-A'. Alternatively, or in addition, each row of blocks 16 of electrochemical elements 18 forms an assembly 14 extending perpendicularly to the axis A-A'

[0032] Each assembly 14 comprises a plurality of blocks 16 of electrochemical elements 18 arranged end to end, each block 16 comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements 18 applied against each other and an assembly 32 for holding the electrochemical elements 18 of the block 16.

[0033] The retaining assemblies 32 of each pair of adjacent blocks 16 are mechanically connected to each other, as will be described below.

[0034] More generally, the number of electrochemical elements 18 per block 16 is greater than or equal to 2, in particular less than 20.

[0035] As can be seen in [Fig. 2], each electrochemical cell 18 is here a prismatic element comprising a container 34 delimiting an internal volume containing alternating anodes, internal separators, and cathodes, and an electrolyte (not shown). The electrochemical cell 18 is, for example, of the lithium-ion type or of the alkali electrolyte type.

[0036] The electrochemical element 18 further comprises a lid 36 closing the internal volume and carrying, on either side transversely, a terminal 36A of first polarity and a terminal 36B of second polarity.

[0037] Each container 34 defines two large faces 38 extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A', and two small faces 40 extending in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0038] The electrochemical elements 18 of each block 16 are stacked longitudinally. Each electrochemical element 18 of the block 16 has a large face 38, or two large faces 38 located respectively opposite and preferably in contact with a large face 38 of an electrochemical element 18 longitudinally adjacent to the same block 16 or in contact with a generally thin separating piece (for insulation or cooling purposes, for example).

[0039] Each block 16 of electrochemical elements 18 thus has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, with large faces 42 formed from the succession of small faces 40 of the electrochemical elements 18 of the block 16 and with small faces 44 formed from the large faces 38 of the electrochemical elements 18 located at the longitudinal ends of the block 16.

[0040] The blocks 16 of electrochemical elements 18 of each assembly 14 are arranged in the housing 12, such that small faces 44 of the parallelepipeds of two longitudinally adjacent blocks 18 of electrochemical elements 12 are directed towards each other and are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A'

[0041] With further reference to [Fig. 2], the retaining assembly 32 comprises, for each block 16, end flanges 70A, 70B, defining end structures here perpendicular to the axis A-A', and lateral flanges 72C, 72D connecting the end flanges 70A, 70B, defining lateral structures perpendicular to the axis B-B'. Each flange 70A, 70B, 72C, 72D is here formed of a flat wall.

[0042] The terminal flanges 70A, 70B extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A-A'. They are each applied to a large face 38 of a respective electrochemical element 18, located at a respective longitudinal end of the block 16.

[0043] The side flanges 72C, 72D extend on either side of the block 16, along the small faces 40 of the electrochemical elements 18, connecting together for example by welding the lateral edges of the terminal flanges 70A, 70B.

[0044] Alternatively, the side flanges are replaced by a metal or plastic ring which defines the lateral structures perpendicular to the axis B-B'.

[0045] Thus, within each block 16, the successive electrochemical elements 18 along the longitudinal axis AA' are kept pressed against each other by their large faces 38 between the terminal flanges 70A, 70B and the lateral flanges 72C, 72D.

[0046] With reference to Figures 1 and 5, each assembly 14 of blocks 16 comprises at least one first block 16E and at least one second adjacent block 16F, mechanically connected to the first block 16E at a first longitudinal end of the first block 16E. Advantageously, the assembly 14 of blocks 16 comprises at least one third adjacent block 16G, mechanically connected to the first block 16E at a second longitudinal end of the first block 16E, opposite the first longitudinal end.

[0047] For this purpose, as can be seen in [Fig.5], the retaining assembly 32 of the first block 16E includes a first wedge 74A and the retaining assembly 32 of the second adjacent block 16F includes a second wedge 74B, the first wedge 74A and the second wedge 74B being mechanically engaged with each other.

[0048] Advantageously, with reference to [Fig.6], the retaining assembly 32 of the third adjacent block 16G includes a first additional wedge 76A and the retaining assembly 32 of the first block 16E further includes a second additional wedge 76B, the first additional wedge 76A and the second additional wedge 76B being mechanically engaged with each other.

[0049] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], each assembly 14 of blocks 16E, 16F further comprises longitudinal fixing members 78 for the blocks 16E, 16F, 16G in the housing 12, engaged through the first shim 74A and the second shim 74B. Fixing members 78 are also engaged through the first additional shim 76A and the second additional shim 76B.

[0050] Each block 16E located between two adjacent blocks 16F, 16G thus has two flanges 70A, 70B (see [Fig.2]) located respectively opposite a flange 70B of a first adjacent block 16F (see [Fig.5]) and a flange 70A of a second adjacent block 16G (see [Fig.6]).

[0051] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first wedge 74A projects longitudinally from a first terminal flange 70A of the first block 16E. Here it extends from an upper part of the flange 70A.

[0052] The first wedge 74A has a base 80, substantially parallelepiped-shaped, a lug 82 for engagement in the second wedge 74B, projecting downwards from the base 80.

[0053] Advantageously, the first wedge 74A further includes an additional housing 84 intended to receive an additional lug 122 of the second wedge 74B.

[0054] In this example, the base 80 comprises a closed peripheral region 86 and a central window 88 delimited externally by the peripheral region 86. It further comprises, in the window 88, a gripping structure 90 intended for gripping the first block 16E.

[0055] The peripheral part 86 defines two lateral uprights 92, each provided with a through passage 96 for the insertion of a fastening member 78 extending parallel to an elevation axis C-C' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A' and to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0056] The peripheral part 86 defines, between the uprights 92, upper and lower cross members 98A, 98B connecting the lateral uprights 92 to each other.

[0057] In this example, the gripping structure 90 includes at least one socket 100, in particular at least two sockets 100, each defining a gripping orifice 102 of the block 16E, opening here parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0058] The gripping structure 90 further includes reinforcing ribs 104 connecting the sockets 100 to each other, and connecting each socket 100 to the peripheral part 86, in particular to a corner of the window 88.

[0059] The gripping holes 102 are intended to be grasped, for example, by gripping fingers of a lifting member (not shown) of block 16E.

[0060] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the lug 82 projects downwards from the peripheral part 86, in particular from the lower cross member 98B. Here it converges downwards away from the base 80. For example, it has a trapezoidal shape from the base 80.

[0061] The lug 82 then comprises two lateral edges 106 inclined towards each other, and a top edge 108 connecting the inclined edges 106 to each other, perpendicular to the elevation axis C-C'.

[0062] The lug 82 is arranged parallel to the terminal flange 70A, away from it along the longitudinal axis A-A'. The terminal flange 70A and the lug 82 define between them a passage 110 for the insertion of the additional lug 122 of the second wedge 74B.

[0063] The additional housing 84 is adjacent to the lug 82, and is interposed longitudinally between the lug 82 and the terminal flange 70A.

[0064] The additional housing 84 is provided through the lower cross member 98B II opens downwards into the passage 110. Advantageously, it is bottomless and also opens upwards into the window 88.

[0065] As will be seen below, the additional housing 84 has a shape complementary to that of the additional lug 122. In particular, it defines two lateral edges 112 inclined towards each other towards the base 80.

[0066] With reference to [Fig.4], in this example, the second wedge 74B has an identical structure to that of the first wedge 74A, but arranged head-to-tail with respect to the first wedge 74A parallel to the elevation axis C-C'.

[0067] In the example shown in [Fig.4], the second wedge 74B projects longitudinally from a second terminal flange 70B of the second block 16F. Here it extends from a lower part of the flange 70B.

[0068] The second wedge 74B also has a base 120, substantially parallelepiped-shaped, an additional lug 122 for engagement in the first wedge 74A, projecting upwards from the base 120.

[0069] Advantageously, the second wedge 74B further includes a housing 124 intended to receive the lug 82 of the first wedge 74A.

[0070] As before, the base 120 includes a closed peripheral region 126 and a central window 128 delimited externally by the peripheral region 126. It further includes, in the window 128, a gripping structure 130 intended for gripping the second block 16F.

[0071] The peripheral part 126 defines two lateral uprights 132, each provided with a through passage 136 for the insertion of a fastening member 78 extending parallel to an elevation axis C-C' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A' and to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0072] The peripheral part 126 defines, between the uprights 132, upper and lower cross members 138A, 138B connecting the lateral uprights 132 to each other.

[0073] As before, the gripping structure 130 includes at least one socket 140, here at least two sockets 140, each defining a gripping orifice 142 of the block 16F, opening here parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0074] The gripping structure 130 further includes reinforcing ribs 144 connecting the sockets 140 to each other, and connecting each socket 140 to the peripheral region 126, in particular to a corner of the window 128.

[0075] The gripping holes 142 are intended to be grasped, for example, by gripping fingers of a lifting device (not shown) of block 16F.

[0076] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the additional lug 122 projects upwards from the peripheral part 126, in particular from the upper cross member 138A. Here it converges upwards away from the base 120. For example, it has a trapezoidal shape from the base 120.

[0077] The additional lug 122 here comprises two lateral edges 146 inclined towards each other, and a top edge 148 connecting the inclined edges 146 together, perpendicular to the elevation axis C-C'.

[0078] The lateral edges 146 have a shape complementary to that of the lateral edges 112 of the additional housing 84.

[0079] The additional lug 122 is arranged parallel to the end flange 70B, away from it along the longitudinal axis A-A'. The end flange 70B and the additional lug 122 define between them a passage 150 for the insertion of the lug 82 of the first wedge 74A.

[0080] The housing 124 is adjacent to the additional lug 122, and is interposed longitudinally between the additional lug 122 and the terminal flange 70B.

[0081] Housing 124 is provided through the upper cross member 98A. It opens upwards into the passage 150. Advantageously, it is bottomless and also opens downwards into the window 128. This prevents the accumulation of any liquid that may be collected in housing 124, this liquid draining by gravity through the window 128.

[0082] The housing 124 has a shape complementary to that of the lug 82. In particular, it defines two lateral edges 152 inclined towards each other towards the base 120 of a shape complementary to the inclined edges 106 of the lug 82.

[0083] Advantageously, the first wedge 74A came from the material with the terminal flange 70A and the second wedge 74B came from the material with the terminal flange 70B.

[0084] The longitudinal extent of each wedge 74A, 74B taken along the axis AA' is less than the longitudinal extent of a block 16E, 16F and is also less than the longitudinal extent of an electrochemical element 18 of the block 16E, 16F.

[0085] The first wedge 74A and the second wedge 74B are movable relative to each other in translation along the elevation axis C-C', between a disengaged configuration when the first block 16E and the second block 16F are located apart from each other, and an engaged configuration when the first block 16E and the second block 16F are arranged end to end along the longitudinal axis A-A' in the assembly 14.

[0086] In the disengaged configuration visible in [Fig.6], the first wedge 74A and the second wedge 74B are completely apart from each other.

[0087] In the engaged configuration visible on [Fig.5], the first wedge 74A is arranged partially above the second wedge 74B with a mechanical engagement of the lug 82 in the corresponding housing 124 between the terminal flange 70B of the second block 16F and the base 120 of the second wedge 74B, and advantageously, a mechanical engagement of the additional lug 122 in the corresponding additional housing 84 between the terminal flange 70A of the first block 16E and the base 80 of the first wedge 74A.

[0088] The through passages 96 provided parallel to the elevation axis C-C' in the base 80 of the first wedge 74A each extend coaxially with a through passage 136 provided parallel to the elevation axis C-C' in the base 120 of the second wedge 74B. This allows the passage of a fastening member 78 through each through passage 96 of the first wedge 74A, then through each through passage 136 of the second wedge 74B to a locking cross member 26. Thus, each fastening member 78 serves to immobilize both the first block 16E and the second block 16F.

[0089] Each fastening element 78 is, for example, a vertical tie rod with a thread.

[0090] Thanks to the cooperation between the lug 82 and the housing 124, and advantageously between the additional lug 122 and the additional housing 84, the relative displacement of the first block 16E with respect to the second block 16F along a connection direction of the blocks 16E, 16F, here along the longitudinal axis A-A', is prevented, even before the insertion of the fixing members 78.

[0091] Furthermore, the wedges 74A, 74B are advantageously held one on top of the other along the elevation axis C-C' by means of the fastening members 78 which are advantageously inserted into a locking cross member 26, as will be seen below. Thus, the relative displacement of the first block 16E with respect to the second block 16F along the elevation axis C-C' is also prevented, with a reduced number of fastening members 78.

[0092] In the example shown in [Fig. 6], the first block 16E also includes, on its end flange 70B opposite the end flange 70A receiving the first shim 74A, a second additional shim 76B identical to the second shim 74B of block 16F. The end flange 70A of the third block 16G then includes a first additional shim 76A identical to the first shim 74A of the first block 16E and intended to engage mechanically with the second additional shim 76B of the first block 16E.

[0093] In the variant shown in [Fig. 7], the first block 16E comprises, on the end flange 70B opposite the end flange 70A receiving the first shim 74A, a first additional shim 76A similar to the first shim 74A. The third block 16G then comprises a second additional shim 76B on its end flange 70A opposite the first block 16E and also a second shim 74B on its end flange 70B opposite the end flange 70A positioned opposite the first block 16E.

[0094] The assembly of the battery module 10 will now be described.

[0095] Initially, the housing 12 is assembled by fixing the side walls 22 and the locking crossbars 26 onto the bottom 20 and leaving the cover 24 open.

[0096] Then, blocks 16E, 16F, 16G are formed. With reference to [Fig.2], a plurality of electrochemical elements 18 are stacked against each other by their large faces 38, and the terminal flanges 70A, 70B fitted with the wedges 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the stack of electrochemical elements 18.

[0097] Next, the side flanges 72C, 72D are fixed to the terminal flanges 70A, 70B, on either side of the small faces 40 of the electrochemical elements 18, to keep the electrochemical elements 18 pressed against each other between the terminal flanges 70A, 70B.

[0098] Next, as illustrated by [Fig.6], the blocks 16F, 16E, 16G are successively inserted into the internal volume 28 by being arranged end to end parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' by engaging the first wedges 74A above the second wedges 74B and by engaging the first additional wedges 76A above the second additional wedges 76B.

[0099] When the first wedge 74A of the first block 16E is engaged with the second wedge 74B of the second block 16F, the lug 82 inserts into the housing 124, causing a mechanical engagement between the first wedge 74A and the second wedge 74B. Similarly, the additional lug 122 of the second wedge 74B engages in the additional housing 84 of the first wedge 74A, reinforcing this mechanical engagement.

[0100] Similarly, when the first additional wedge 76A of the third block 16G is engaged with the second additional wedge 76B of the first block 16E, the lug 82 of the first additional wedge 76A inserts into the recess 124 of the second additional wedge 76B. Likewise, the additional lug 122 of the second additional wedge 76B engages in the additional recess 84 of the first additional wedge 76A, reinforcing this mechanical engagement.

[0101] Next, the fixing members 78 are inserted into the through passages 96, 136 opposite the first wedge 74A and the second wedge 74B to fix the wedges 74A, 74B vertically relative to each other and against a locking cross member 26, immobilizing the blocks 16E, 16F against the bottom 20 of the housing 12.

[0102] Similarly, fixing members 78 are inserted into the through passages opposite 96, 136 of the first additional wedge 76A and the second additional wedge 76B to fix the additional wedges 76A, 76B vertically relative to each other and against a locking cross member 26, immobilizing the blocks 16E, 16G against the bottom 20 of the housing 12.

[0103] The connection of the blocks 16E, 16F, 16G to each other to form an assembly 14 and the fixing of the assembly 14 on the bottom 20 of the housing 12 is therefore very robust, while requiring a reduced number of fixing members 78, since the same fixing member 78 fixes two blocks 16E, 16F, 16G simultaneously.

[0104] Thanks to the cooperation between the lugs 82, 122 and the corresponding housings 124, 84, the mechanical holding of the blocks 16E, 16F, 16G relative to each other is improved, which strengthens the mechanical holding of the assembly 14.

[0105] The inclined edges 106, 146 of the lugs 82, 122, corresponding to the inclined edges 152, 112 of the housings 124, 84, help to position each block 16E, 16F, 16G relative to the other by guiding the vertical alignment of the wedges 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B.

[0106] Since the spacers 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B are further arranged one above the other by being nested, and not positioned adjacently with respect to each other, the space occupied by the spacers 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B along the longitudinal axis A-A' is reduced. This increases the volume available for placing electrochemical elements 18 in the internal volume 28 of the housing 12, and therefore, the power per unit area occupied by the battery module 10.

[0107] The time required to assemble the blocks 16 onto the base 20 of the housing 12 is further reduced. The risk of error in the construction of the assembly 14 is decreased, in particular since the number of fasteners 78 is reduced, the fasteners 78 being shared between the blocks 16E, 16F, 16G.

[0108] Furthermore, the presence of the wedges 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B adds additional functions, notably the possibility of easier gripping of the blocks 16E, 16F, 16G when the wedge 74A, 74B; 76A, 76B is equipped with a window 88 and a gripping structure 90. Possible water retention in the housings 120 is avoided thanks to the open bottom of the housings 120 between the inclined edges 152 to connect them to the windows 88.

[0109] The terminal flanges 70A, 70B and the wedges 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B are manufactured in a simple manner, preferably made from material, for example from cast metal, in particular from aluminium or steel.

[0110] The terminal flanges 70A, 70B and the wedges 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B are advantageously protected by an electrically insulating protective film which, for example, covers them.

[0111] Alternatively, the terminal flanges 70A, 70B and the wedges 74A, 74B, 76A, 76B are made of an electrically insulating material, such as polymer or composite.

[0112] By "electrically insulating", it is understood that the material has a dielectric strength advantageously greater than 4.2 kVDC

[0113] In a variant or as a complement to an assembly 14 shown in Figures 1 to 7, the retaining assemblies 32 of two adjacent blocks 16 along a transverse axis B-B' perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A' comprise wedges 74A, 74B projecting laterally towards each other from the lateral flanges 72C, 72D, being engaged one above the other as described above. This allows adjacent blocks 16 to be nested laterally and prevents their relative displacement along a connection direction of the blocks 16 parallel to the transverse axis B-B'.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (14) of electrochemical elements (18) intended to be introduced into a battery module (10), comprising at least a first block (16E) of electrochemical elements (18) and a second block (16F) of electrochemical elements (18), each block (16E, 16F) comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements (18) applied against each other along a longitudinal axis (A-A') and a holding assembly (32) for the electrochemical elements (18) comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A-A') and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures holding the electrochemical elements (18) of the block against each other,characterized in that the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E) comprises a first wedge (74A) for mechanical engagement of the first block (16E) with the second block (16F) projecting from a first structure chosen from among the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E), along a connection direction of the blocks (16E, 16F), the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F) comprising a second wedge (74B) for mechanical engagement of the first block (16E) with the second block (16F), projecting from a second structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F) along the connection direction, the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74B) being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation,between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block (16E) away from the second block (16F) along the link direction is prevented.

2. Assembly (14) according to claim 1, wherein the first wedge (74A) protrudes from a first terminal structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E), the second wedge (74B) protrudes from a second terminal structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F) located opposite the first terminal structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E) and / or in which the first wedge (74A) protrudes from a first lateral structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E), the second wedge (74B) protruding from a second lateral structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F) located opposite the first lateral structure of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E).

3. Assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wedge (74A) comprises a lug (82) projecting along an insertion direction perpendicular to the connection direction, the second wedge (74B) comprising a housing (124) for retaining the lug (82) extending along the insertion direction when the lug (82) is received in the housing (124).

4. Assembly (14) according to claim 3, wherein the second wedge (74B) comprises an additional lug (122), projecting along the insertion direction perpendicular to the connection direction, the first wedge (74A) comprising an additional housing (84) for receiving the additional lug (122) extending along the insertion direction when the additional lug (122) is received in the additional housing (84).

5. Assembly (14) according to claim 4, wherein the additional lug (122) is adjacent to the receiving housing (84) provided in the second wedge (74A, 74B) along the connection direction, the additional housing (84) provided in the first wedge (74A) being adjacent to the lug (82) along the connection direction.

6. Assembly (14) according to claim 5, wherein the additional lug (122) is offset relative to the housing (124) along the insertion direction, the housing (84) being offset relative to the lug (82) along the insertion direction.

7. Assembly (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the lug (82) has a shape converging towards the housing (124) in the insertion direction, the housing (124) having a shape diverging towards the lug (82) in the insertion direction, the diverging shape of the housing (124) being complementary to the convergent shape of the lug (82).

8. Assembly (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, comprising a third block (16G) comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements (18) applied against each other along the longitudinal axis (A-A') and a holding assembly (32) of the electrochemical elements (18) comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A-A') and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures holding the electrochemical elements (18) of the third block (16G) applied against each other, and in which the holding assembly of the first block (16E) comprises a wedge (76B;76A) additional mechanical engagement wedge of the first block (16E) with the third block (16G) projecting from a first additional structure chosen from among the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E), according to the direction of connection, the retaining assembly (32) of the third block (16G) comprising another additional wedge (76A; 76B) for mechanical engagement of the first block (16E) with the third block (16G), projecting from a second additional structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the third block (16G), the additional wedge (76B; 76A) and the other additional wedge (76A;76B) being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation, between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block (16E) away from the third block (16G) along the linking direction is prevented.;

9. Assembly (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74B) each comprise a base (80), the lug (82) projecting from the base (80) of the first wedge (74A), the housing (124) being provided in the base (80) of the second wedge (74B).

10. Assembly (14) according to claim 9, wherein the base (80) of the second wedge (74B) defines a liquid evacuation window (128) opening along the connection direction, the housing (124) being connected to the window (128).

11. Assembly (14) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the base (80) of the first wedge (74A) defines a first through-passage (96) for the insertion of a fastening member (78) of the assembly (14) into the battery module (10), the base of the second wedge (74B) comprising a second through passage (136) for insertion of the fastening member (78), coaxial with the first through passage (96) when the first wedge (74A, 74B) and the second wedge (74A, 74B) are in the engaged configuration.

12. Assembly (14) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the base (80) of at least one of the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74A, 74B) defines at least one gripping hole (102, 142) of the block (16E, 16F), opening along the direction of connection.

13. Assembly (14) according to claim 12, taken in combination with claim 10, wherein the base (80) of the second wedge (74B) comprises a sleeve (140) received in the window (128), the sleeve (140) defining the gripping orifice (142), and optionally at least one rib (144) connecting the sleeve (140) to a periphery of the window (128).

14. Assembly (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A-A') are formed of terminal flanges (70A, 70B), in particular in the form of each of a flat wall, the lateral structures being formed of lateral flanges (72C, 72D), in particular in the form of each of a flat wall, or being defined by a band.

15. Battery module (10), comprising: - a housing (12) delimiting an internal volume (28); - at least one assembly (14) of electrochemical elements (18) according to any one of the preceding claims, received in the internal volume (28) of the housing (12), the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74B) occupying the engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block (16E) away from the second block (16F) along the linking direction is prevented.

16. Assembly of parts, comprising: - a first terminal and / or lateral structure of a retaining assembly (32) of a first block (16E) of electrochemical elements (18) comprising a first flange (70A, 70B; 72C, 72D) intended to rest on an electrochemical element (18) of the first block (16E),

17. - a first wedge (74A) integral with the first structure, the first wedge (74A) protruding from the first flange (70A, 70B; 72C, 72D), - a second terminal and / or lateral structure of a retaining assembly (32) of a second block (16E) of electrochemical elements (18) comprising a second flange (70A, 70B; 72C, 72D) intended to rest on an electrochemical element (18) of the second block (16F), - a second wedge (74B) attached to the second structure, the second wedge (74B) protruding from the second flange (70A, 70B; 72C, 72D), the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74B) being able to engage with each other by mechanical cooperation, between a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first structure away from the second structure is prevented. A method for manufacturing an assembly (14) of electrochemical elements (18) comprising the following steps - supplying at least a first block (16E) of electrochemical elements (18) and a second block (16F) of electrochemical elements (18), each block (16E, 16F) comprising a plurality of electrochemical elements (18) applied against each other along a longitudinal axis (A-A') and a holding assembly (32) for the electrochemical elements (18) comprising two terminal structures extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A-A') and two lateral structures extending between the terminal structures, the terminal structures and the lateral structures holding the electrochemical elements (18) of the block against each other, the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E) comprising a first wedge (74A) for mechanical engagement of the first block (16E) with the second block (16F) protruding from a first structure chosen from among the two terminal structures and / or the two lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the first block (16E), along a direction of connection of the blocks (16E, 16F), the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F) comprising a second wedge (74B) for mechanical engagement of the first block (16E) with the second block (16F), projecting from a second structure chosen from among the terminal structures and / or the lateral structures of the retaining assembly (32) of the second block (16F), - engagement of the first wedge (74A) and the second wedge (74B) with each other by mechanical cooperation, from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration in which the movement of the first block (16E) away from the second block (16F) along the linking direction is prevented.

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