BATTERY FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLES INCLUDING IDENTIFICATION AND PROCEDURE FOR INTERVENTION ON SUCH A BATTERY

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery for an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a plurality of cells (10) and a method for servicing the battery. The battery comprises: - a marker (20) configured to be drilled by a drilling means and to inject a heat transfer fluid into the battery by means of a shut-off device when the marker (20) is drilled; - an indicator configured to emit a first signal or a second signal, the first signal comprising a first light wave having a first predetermined wavelength, the second signal comprising a second light wave having a second predetermined wavelength, the first predetermined wavelength being different from the second predetermined wavelength; - a sensor configured to measure a distance between the marker (20) and the drilling means. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: BATTERY FOR AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE INCLUDING A LOCATION AND METHOD FOR INTERVENTION ON SUCH A 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 with a single means of electric propulsion, as well as hybrid vehicles incorporating at least one mode of electric propulsion.

[0002] A phenomenon of thermal runaway in electric or hybrid vehicle batteries is known from the prior art. In particular, battery cells, for example lithium-ion, sometimes present a risk of ignition in the event of internal heating or accidental deformation.

[0003] Patent application FR3138618 describes an electric vehicle comprising a battery including a sealed container and an orifice. Furthermore, the sealed container includes a plurality of battery cells. The battery includes a conduit configured to convey pressurized water from the orifice to the sealed container.

[0004] Furthermore, the orifice includes a lighting means and a cover configured to be destroyed in order to access the orifice and inject a heat transfer fluid, for example water, into the duct. Thus, the lighting means is positioned to guide intervention on the orifice, the heat transfer fluid being injected into the duct when the orifice is cleared.

[0005] Furthermore, the cover is bonded to the opening by an adhesive configured to detach and / or tear easily when the adhesive is subjected to a temperature increase. In this way, working on the battery involves drilling the cover guided by the lighting means, then inserting an extinguishing means into the hole, the battery being cooled by the heat transfer fluid.

[0006] However, such a means of guidance can sometimes lead to difficulties, particularly in situations where the accessibility of the orifice is limited, or when external factors, such as light reflections or other disturbances, provide imprecise or even erroneous guidance compromising the intervention on the battery, which can harm maintenance or emergency operations.

[0007] Thus, such misalignment of the drilling means with respect to the orifice can not only reduce the efficiency of the heat transfer fluid injection but, in some cases, lead to perforation of the battery itself. This type of error considerably increases the risk of thermal runaway, which can lead to a irreversible deterioration of the plurality of battery cells, or even compromising the overall safety of the vehicle.

[0008] The objective of the invention is to remedy this drawback and to offer a battery providing an accessible and more reliable means of intervention.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a battery for electric or hybrid vehicles comprising a plurality of cells, the battery being remarkable in that the battery comprises: - a marking configured to be drilled by a drilling means and to inject a heat transfer fluid into the battery by an extinguishing means when the marking is drilled; - an indicator configured to emit a first signal or a second signal, the first signal includes a first light wave having a first predetermined wavelength, the second signal includes a second light wave having a second predetermined wavelength, the first predetermined wavelength being different from the second predetermined wavelength; - a sensor configured to measure a distance between the marker and the drilling tool.

[0010] This helps guide the placement of the drilling tool relative to the reference mark. Furthermore, the indicator is positioned relative to the reference mark in such a way as to direct the movement of the drilling tool towards the mark. In addition, the indicator is designed to signal corrective action to be taken regarding the positioning of the drilling tool relative to the reference mark when it is initially misaligned. In this way, the alignment of the drilling tool relative to the reference mark is more precise. Indeed, the indicator provides visual or audible feedback, assessing whether the drilling tool is correctly positioned relative to the reference mark. The first signal indicates that the drilling tool is misaligned, while the second signal indicates proper alignment of the drilling tool relative to the reference mark.This reduces the need for constant manual checks, improves the efficiency of the intervention, and reduces the risk of positioning errors, contributing to faster battery intervention, particularly in emergency situations.

[0011] The wavelengths of the signals are chosen so as to indicate the relative position of the drilling means with respect to the locating, facilitating the correction of their relative positioning.

[0012] Advantageously, the location includes a recess.

[0013] The presence of a recess facilitates the identification and accessibility of the marking, thus reducing the risk of errors in positioning the drilling tool relative to the marking. By delimiting the marking, such a recess increases accuracy. The alignment between the drilling method and the marking protects the plurality of cells from possible damage and reduces the risks associated with incorrect or accidental perforations in other parts of the battery, thus contributing to the safety and durability of the entire battery.

[0014] Due to its geometry, the recess is shaped to accommodate the nozzles of fire extinguishing equipment, such as fire hoses. Furthermore, this allows the flow of heat transfer fluid to be guided towards the battery, particularly when the extinguishing equipment and the markings are not perfectly aligned, thus facilitating rapid intervention on the battery.

[0015] Furthermore, such a recess allows the flow of heat transfer fluid to be guided into the battery, channeling the liquid to reach the hot spots of the plurality of cells and preventing heat transfer fluid losses. This results in efficient and rapid battery cooling, preventing fluid leaks or splashes outside the battery.

[0016] Advantageously, the location forms a cone.

[0017] Such a shape allows that the precise alignment of the drilling means with respect to the marking, considered angularly, does not have particular importance, facilitating drilling or the insertion of the extinguishing means when the marking is not directly visible, particularly during drilling.

[0018] Advantageously, the marker is positioned opposite a gap in the plurality of cells.

[0019] This makes it possible to comply with the geometric constraints imposed by the plurality of cells while facilitating the drilling of the locating points. Thus, this reduces drilling errors, for example in the plurality of cells.

[0020] Advantageously, the battery includes an additional marking configured to be drilled by the drilling means and to evacuate the heat transfer fluid from the battery.

[0021] The presence of this additional marking for the heat transfer fluid drainage improves battery cooling control. This allows the fluid to cool the battery effectively, particularly during prolonged work. Furthermore, this additional marking prevents battery overpressure, thus preventing rupture or deformation of the cells, for example. Moreover, the additional marking ensures that the heat transfer fluid remains in contact with the cells for a sufficient period to dissipate the generated heat without further compromising battery integrity or safety during battery maintenance.

[0022] Advantageously, the indicator includes a light-emitting diode.

[0023] The light-emitting diode ensures reduced energy consumption and improves the life of the indicator while maintaining constant brightness.

[0024] Advantageously, the indicator is configured to emit a third signal, the third signal comprises a third light wave having a third predetermined wavelength, the third predetermined wavelength being different from the first predetermined wavelength and the second predetermined wavelength.

[0025] The invention also relates to an electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery defined as above.

[0026] The invention further relates to a method of intervention on a battery defined as above, the method comprising the following steps: - a step of measuring the distance between the marker and the drilling tool by the sensor; - a step of emitting the first signal when the measured distance is greater than a first predetermined distance; - a step of moving the extinguishing means towards the location as long as the first signal is emitted; - a step of emitting the second signal when the measured distance is less than a second predetermined distance; - a drilling step of the marking when the second signal is emitted; - a step of inserting the extinguishing means into the marking when the marking is pierced; - an actuation step of the extinguishing means when the extinguishing means is inserted into the marking, so as to act on the battery.

[0027] 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] illustrates a view from below of the battery comprising at least one marker and an indicator according to one embodiment of the present invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates a detailed view of the marker and indicator shown schematically in [Fig.1]; - [Fig. 3] illustrates a flowchart representing the steps of a process intervention on the battery illustrated in [Fig.1], according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery comprises a plurality of cells 10 extending parallel to a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the plurality of cells 10 being arranged along a lateral axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

[0029] The battery includes a marker 20 configured to be drilled by a drilling means. The marker 20 is also configured to inject a heat transfer fluid into the battery by means of a extinguishing mechanism when the marker 20 is drilled.

[0030] The battery also includes an indicator 30 configured to emit a first signal or a second signal.

[0031] The battery further includes a sensor configured to measure a distance between the marker 20 and the drilling means.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the notation 20 advantageously includes a recess. Preferably, the recess extends along the longitudinal axis.

[0033] The locating element 20 advantageously forms a cone. Preferably, the cone forms a first predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the first predetermined angle is between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0034] The marker 20 is advantageously positioned opposite a gap in the plurality of cells 10.

[0035] The battery advantageously includes an additional marking configured to be drilled by the drilling means and to evacuate the heat transfer fluid from the battery.

[0036] The first signal comprises a first light wave having a first predetermined wavelength. Furthermore, the second signal comprises a second light wave having a second predetermined wavelength. The first predetermined wavelength is different from the second predetermined wavelength.

[0037] The first predetermined wavelength is preferably smaller than the second predetermined wavelength. For example, the first signal is red, with the first predetermined wavelength typically being between 620 nm and 750 nm. The second signal is preferably green, with the second predetermined wavelength typically being between 495 nm and 570 nm.

[0038] Alternatively, the first signal comprises a first acoustic wave having a first predetermined frequency, the second signal comprises a second predetermined frequency, the first predetermined frequency being different from the second predetermined frequency.

[0039] The sound waves of the signals are chosen so as to distinguish the regions of the interface surface. Furthermore, the sound waves make it easy to locate the relative position of the electrical power emitter with respect to the electrical power receiver in a situation where visibility is reduced, facilitating the correction of their relative positioning.

[0040] The first light wave and the second light wave extend along a light cone having a second predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the second predetermined angle is between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

[0041] Indicator 30 is advantageously configured to emit a third signal. The third signal advantageously comprises a third light wave having a third predetermined wavelength. The third predetermined wavelength is preferably one of the first predetermined wavelength and one of the second predetermined wavelength.

[0042] Preferably, the third predetermined wavelength is between the first and second predetermined wavelengths. For example, the third signal is orange, typically between 590 nm and 620 nm.

[0043] A flowchart of a method for intervening on the battery is illustrated in [Fig.3], according to an embodiment of the invention, steps of the method being described below.

[0044] In a measurement step El, the distance between the marker 20 and the drilling means is measured by the sensor.

[0045] In an emission step E2, the first signal is emitted when the measured distance is greater than a first predetermined distance.

[0046] In a displacement step E3, the extinguishing means is moved to the location 20 as long as the first signal is emitted.

[0047] In an emission step E4, the second signal is emitted when the measured distance is less than a second predetermined distance.

[0048] In a drilling step E5, the marker 20 is drilled when the second signal is emitted.

[0049] In an insertion step E6, the extinguishing means is inserted into the notch 20 when the notch 20 is drilled.

[0050] In an actuation step E7, the extinguishing means is actuated when the extinguishing means is inserted into the marking 20, so as to act on the battery.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery for electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a plurality of cells (10), characterized in that the battery comprises: - a marker (20) configured to be drilled by a drilling means and to inject a heat transfer fluid into the battery by an extinguishing means when the marker (20) is drilled; - an indicator (30) configured to emit a first signal or a second signal, the first signal comprising a first light wave having a first predetermined wavelength, the second signal comprising a second light wave having a second predetermined wavelength, the first predetermined wavelength being different from the second predetermined wavelength; - a sensor configured to measure a distance between the marker (20) and the drilling means.

2. Battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the marking (20) includes a recess.

3. Battery according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the marking (20) forms a cone.

4. Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the marker (20) is arranged opposite a gap in the plurality of cells (10).

5. Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the battery includes an additional marking configured to be drilled by the drilling means and to evacuate the heat transfer fluid from the battery.

6. Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the indicator (30) comprises a light-emitting diode.

7. Battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the indicator (30) is configured to emit a third signal, the third signal comprises a third light wave having a third predetermined wavelength, the third predetermined wavelength being different from the first predetermined wavelength and the second predetermined wavelength.

8.

9. Electric or hybrid vehicle comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Method of intervention on a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - a measurement step (El) of the distance between the marker (20) and the drilling means by the sensor; - an emission step (E2) of the first signal when the measured distance is greater than a first predetermined distance; - a movement step (E3) of the extinguishing means towards the locating point (20) as long as the first signal is emitted; - an emission step (E4) of the second signal when the measured distance is less than a second predetermined distance; - a drilling step (E5) of the marker (20) when the second signal is emitted; - an insertion step (E6) of the extinguishing means into the marker (20) when the marker (20) is drilled; - an actuation step (E7) of the extinguishing means when the extinguishing means is inserted into the marking (20), so as to act on the battery.

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