MODULE FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY
The battery cell architecture addresses energy density, expandability, and thermal management issues by aligning cells along axes with side terminals and cross members, enhancing energy efficiency and stability in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing battery designs for electric and hybrid vehicles face challenges in energy density, expandability, and electrical connection complexity due to the presence of crossbeams, which also limit thermal management and mechanical stability.
A battery cell architecture where cells extend along longitudinal and transverse axes with electrical terminals on one side, connected by a cell connection bar, and a cross member that enhances structural rigidity, thermal insulation, and simplifies wiring, allowing for compact design and efficient heat dissipation.
Increases energy density, simplifies electrical connections, improves mechanical stability, and enhances thermal management by reducing unwanted heat transfer and cell displacement, facilitating easy module expansion and temperature regulation.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: MODULE FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY
[0001] The invention relates to electric vehicles, that is to say, those equipped with at least one battery for storing electrical energy intended for their propulsion. This includes vehicles having a single means of electric propulsion, as well as hybrid vehicles incorporating at least one mode of electric propulsion.
[0002] US patent application US20240283075 describes a battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle. The battery comprises battery cells and crossbeams. The battery cells are separated from each other at intervals by the crossbeams. Furthermore, the battery cells generate heat during operation. To this end, the crossbeams help dissipate the heat between the battery cells.
[0003] However, the additional geometric constraints imposed by the beams firstly reduce the space available for integrating additional cells within the same battery volume to accommodate the beams, which consequently leads to a decrease in the battery's energy density for a given battery volume. Secondly, the presence of the beams necessitates adjusting or rearranging the battery cells to ensure adequate heat dissipation. This structural constraint thus limits the battery's expandability, for example, in response to the required battery demands. Thirdly, by introducing placement restrictions, the beams impose longer or more complex paths for the electrical connections between the battery cells.
[0004] The objective of the present invention is to remedy this drawback and to propose a simple battery cell and battery module architecture.
[0005] Thus, to achieve this objective, the invention proposes a module for an electric or hybrid vehicle battery comprising: - a first battery cell and a second battery cell comprising respectively a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal; - a cell connection bar electrically linking the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal, the module being characterized in that the first battery cell and the second battery cell extend substantially along a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the first battery cell and the second battery cell respectively having a first lateral face comprising the first electrical terminal and a second lateral face comprising the second electrical terminal, the bar connection extending along a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.
[0006] This provides a compact battery cell architecture while simplifying the electrical wiring between cells. Indeed, by grouping the electrical terminals on one side of such battery cells, more space is freed up, particularly for their electrochemical components. Consequently, the energy density of each battery cell is increased for the same battery cell volume, thus offering higher energy efficiency for the battery.
[0007] Advantageously, the first battery cell and the second battery cell respectively have a first base and a second base, the first base and the second base being in contact with a battery chassis.
[0008] Such an arrangement of the battery cells ensures that the battery cells are held securely to the battery chassis, the chassis serving as a mounting support for the battery cells, thereby reducing the effect of vibrations or shocks transmitted to the battery cells. Furthermore, such battery cells have a limited footprint within the battery chassis, so the chassis also provides a means of heat dissipation in the remaining space within the battery chassis, for example, fluid distribution channels.
[0009] Advantageously, the module includes a crossbar arranged opposite the first lateral face and the second lateral face.
[0010] Such a cross member helps to strengthen the module structure, distributing mechanical stresses and improving the module's rigidity. It also acts as a thermal barrier that partially insulates the modules from one another, limiting unwanted heat transfer and thus facilitating more efficient thermal management of the battery. Furthermore, this configuration keeps the battery cells in place, reducing the risk of battery cell displacement, particularly due to thermal expansion.
[0011] Advantageously, the module has a first end and a second end, the first battery cell and the second battery cell being disposed respectively at the first end and the second end, the module comprising a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal disposed respectively at the first end.
[0012] Advantageously, the cross member includes an electrical link electrically connecting the second electrical terminal to the second electrical terminal.
[0013] This allows the negative and positive terminals of the module to be brought closer together so that they can be easily connected to other modules.
[0014] Advantageously, the cross member includes thermal insulation.
[0015] This prevents heat transfer from the cross member to the electrical connection, thus damaging the electrical wiring between the battery cells.
[0016] The invention also relates to a battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising: - a first module and a second module defined as above, the first module and the second module respectively having a first lateral surface comprising the cell connection bar of the first module and a second lateral surface comprising the cell connection bar of the second module; - a module connection bar electrically linking the first module and the second module.
[0017] Such a configuration facilitates the assembly of battery cells per module by simplifying the electrical wiring between the battery cells.
[0018] Advantageously, the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are parallel.
[0019] The modules are arranged so that only one module configuration is needed for the battery. This allows the battery to be easily expanded with additional modules by arranging them, in the same configuration as the existing battery modules, parallel to the battery modules. Furthermore, by orienting the modules in the same way, the length of electrical wiring between the modules is reduced.
[0020] Advantageously, the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are staggered.
[0021] This frees up space for other battery installations, including fluid distribution channels.
[0022] Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery as defined above.
[0023] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a profile view of a module for an electric or hybrid vehicle battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a front view of the module shown in the [Fig.l] ; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an electric vehicle battery or hybrid, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure [1] schematically illustrates a module for an electric or hybrid vehicle battery, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The module includes a first battery cell 10 and a second battery cell 20.
[0025] The first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20 extend respectively along a longitudinal axis XI and along a transverse axis X2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XL. The first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20 are arranged along a lateral axis X3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XI and to the transverse axis X2.
[0026] The first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20 have respectively a first lateral face 11 and a second lateral face 21. Preferably, the first lateral face 11 and the second lateral face 21 extend respectively in a lateral plane parallel to the transverse axis X2 and to the lateral axis X3.
[0027] The first side face 11 includes a first electrical terminal 11 and the second side face 21 includes a second electrical terminal 22.
[0028] A cell connection bar 30 electrically connects the first electrical terminal 11 and the second electrical terminal 21. The cell connection bar 30 extends substantially along the lateral axis X3. Furthermore, the cell connection bar 30 is configured to conduct an electric current between the first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20.
[0029] The connecting bar is fixed by at least screwing, welding or crimping.
[0030] The first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20 advantageously have respectively a first base 13 and a second base 23. The first base 13 and the second base 23 are respectively in contact with a battery chassis 40, for example with a part of the battery chassis 40 developing in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis XI and the lateral axis X3.
[0031] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first battery cell 10 comprises a first positive electrical terminal and a first negative electrical terminal. Furthermore, the second battery cell 20 comprises a second positive electrical terminal and a second negative electrical terminal.
[0032] The first face 11 has a first lower part and a first upper part. The first lower part is adjacent to the first base 13. Similarly, the second face 21 has a second lower part and a second upper part. The second lower part is adjacent to the second base 23.
[0033] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], the first electrical terminal 11 is the first positive electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal 21 is the second negative electrical terminal.
[0034] Preferably, the first upper part comprises the first positive electrical terminal, while the second upper part comprises the second negative electrical terminal. Furthermore, the first lower part comprises the first negative electrical terminal, while the second lower part comprises the second positive electrical terminal.
[0035] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the first electrical terminal 11 is the first negative electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal 21 is the second positive electrical terminal. In this embodiment, the first upper part comprises the first negative electrical terminal while the second upper part comprises the second positive electrical terminal. Furthermore, the first lower part comprises the first positive electrical terminal and the second lower part comprises the second negative electrical terminal.
[0036] Generally, the first positive electrical terminal and the second positive electrical terminal are arranged in a staggered pattern. Similarly, the first negative electrical terminal and the second negative electrical terminal are arranged in a staggered pattern. This allows, in particular, the first electrical terminal 11 and the second electrical terminal 21 to be electrically connected while ensuring compact wiring.
[0037] The module advantageously comprises a cross member 50 arranged opposite the first lateral face 11 and the second lateral face 21 as illustrated in [Fig.2]. Preferably, the cross member 50 extends longitudinally along an axis parallel to the lateral axis.
[0038] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the module has a first end and a second end, the first battery cell 10 being disposed at the first end and the second battery cell 20 being disposed at the second end.
[0039] The cross member 50 advantageously includes an electrical connection 52. The first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell are preferably electrically connected in series. Thus, the electrical connection 52 is configured to carry the same electric current between the first battery cell 10 and the second battery cell 20.
[0040] The module includes a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal. For example, the first electrical terminal is a positive electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal is a negative electrical terminal.
[0041] Preferably, the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are arranged at the first end. The electrical connection 52 electrically connects the second electrical terminal 21 to the second electrical terminal.
[0042] Alternatively, the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are arranged at the second end. Thus, the electrical link 52 electrically connects the first electrical terminal 11 to the first electrical terminal.
[0043] The cross member 50 includes a thermal insulator 51. For example, the thermal insulator 51 extends longitudinally along an axis parallel to the lateral axis X3 and in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis XI and the lateral axis X3. The thickness of the thermal insulator 51 along the transverse axis X2 is chosen so as to limit heat transfer between the cross member 50 and the electrical connection 52 while having a limited footprint relative to the battery chassis 40.
[0044] Figure 3 illustrates a battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery comprises a first module 110 and a second module 210.
[0045] The first module 110 has a first lateral surface 111 comprising the cell connection bar of the first module 110. Furthermore, the second module 210 has a second lateral surface 211 comprising the cell connection bar of the second module 210.
[0046] The first module 110 includes a first electrical terminal. Similarly, the second module 210 includes a second electrical terminal. A module connecting bar 300 electrically connects the first module 110 and the second module 210. In particular, the module connecting bar 300 electrically connects the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal. The module connecting bar 300 preferably extends along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XL. Thus connected, the module connecting bar 300 is configured to conduct an electric current between the first module 110 and the second module 210.
[0047] Advantageously, the first lateral surface 111 and the second lateral surface 211 are parallel. Thus, the first lateral surface 111 and the second lateral surface 211 extend substantially in planes parallel to the transverse axis X2 and the lateral axis X3.
[0048] Preferably, the first lateral surface 111 and the second lateral surface 211 are separated by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis XL. For example, for a plurality of modules comprising a plurality of lateral surfaces, the plurality of lateral surfaces is distributed at regular intervals, according to the predetermined distance, along the longitudinal axis XL.
[0049] Even more advantageously, the first lateral surface 111 and the second lateral surface 211 are staggered.
[0050] The battery advantageously has a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface.
[0051] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the battery comprises a first plurality of modules comprising a first plurality of lateral surfaces. The first plurality of modules is arranged along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XL. Furthermore, the battery comprises a second plurality of modules comprising a second plurality of lateral surfaces. The second plurality of modules is arranged along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis XL.
[0052] The first plurality of battery cells and the second plurality of battery cells are advantageously separated by a predetermined distance along the lateral axis X3. The predetermined distance is advantageously chosen so as to allow a heat transfer fluid to circulate between the first plurality of battery cells and the second plurality of battery cells. Thus, the battery is temperature-regulated by the heat transfer fluid.
[0053] The first plurality of lateral surfaces is arranged opposite the first lateral surface of the battery, and the second plurality of lateral surfaces is arranged opposite the second lateral surface of the battery. Thus, the first plurality of lateral surfaces and the second plurality of lateral surfaces are arranged in a staggered pattern with respect to each other.
[0054] An additional module connecting bar electrically connects the first plurality of modules and the second plurality of modules. The additional module connecting bar extends substantially along an axis parallel to the lateral axis X3. Thus, the additional module connecting bar is configured to allow an electric current to flow between the first plurality of battery modules and the second plurality of battery modules.
Claims
Demands
1. Module for electric or hybrid vehicle battery comprising: - a first battery cell (10) and a second battery cell (20) comprising respectively a first electrical terminal (11) and a second electrical terminal (21);- a cell connection bar (30) electrically connecting the first electrical terminal (11) and the second electrical terminal (21), the module being characterized in that the first battery cell (10) and the second battery cell (20) extend substantially along a longitudinal axis (XI) and a transverse axis (X2), the first battery cell (10) and the second battery cell (20) having respectively a first lateral face (12) comprising the first electrical terminal (11) and a second lateral face (22) comprising the second electrical terminal (21), the connection bar (30) extending along a lateral axis (X3) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (XI) and to the transverse axis (X2).
2. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first battery cell (10) and the second battery cell (20) respectively have a first base (13) and a second base (23), the first base (13) and the second base (23) being in contact with a battery chassis (40).
3. Module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the module comprises a cross member (50) arranged opposite the first lateral face (11) and the second lateral face (21).
4. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the module has a first end and a second end, the first battery cell (10) and the second battery cell (20) being disposed respectively at the first end and the second end, the module comprising a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal disposed respectively at the first end.
5. Module according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the cross member (50) comprises an electrical link (52) electrically connecting the second electrical terminal (21) to the second electrical terminal.
6. Module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the cross member (50) comprises a thermal insulator (51).
7. Battery for electric or hybrid vehicle comprising: - a first module (110) and a second module (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the first module (110) and the second module (210) respectively having a first lateral surface (111) comprising the cell connection bar of the first module (110) and a second lateral surface (211) comprising the cell connection bar of the second module (210); - a module connection bar (300) electrically connecting the first module (110) and the second module (210).
8. Battery according to claim 7, characterized in that the first lateral surface (111) and the second lateral surface (211) are parallel.
9. Battery according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first lateral surface (111) and the second lateral surface (211) are staggered.
10. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery according to any one of claims 7 to 9.