CELLULAR MODULE WITH SIMPLIFIED INTERCELL COUPLINGS, FOR A CELLULAR BATTERY IN A SYSTEM

Abstract

A cell module (CM) equips a cellular battery and comprises: - N identical, flat, rectangular cells (CMs) suitable for storing electrical energy, each having positive and negative terminals and, on at least two of its four sides (C1-C4), first (TT1) and second (TT2) through holes through which two assembly rods (AT) pass, and third (TT3) and fourth (TT4) electrically conductive through holes coupled respectively to the positive and negative terminals, and - two conductive rods (CTs) passing through and each contacting N through holes selected from the N third (TT3) and / or N fourth (TT4) through holes. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: CELLULAR MODULE WITH SIMPLIFIED INTERCELL COUPLINGS, FOR A CELLULAR BATTERY OF A SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to cellular modules intended to equip cellular batteries of systems. State of the art

[0002] In many systems, such as for example in certain vehicles (possibly of the automobile type), batteries are used which include at least one cell module comprising N cells (possibly electrochemical) suitable for storing electrical energy and identical, with N > 2. Such batteries (called cellular) are intended to power at least one electrical machine (possibly a motor) and / or a power supply circuit for electrical or electronic equipment.

[0003] In some of these cell batteries, the N cells of each cell module are flat and rectangular in shape, each comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal. In order for these N cells of a cell module to be connected in parallel or in series, it is necessary to use numerous busbars and screws to couple the positive terminals to the negative terminals. It should be noted that the number of busbars and screws is further increased within a cell module when the latter comprises M superimposed layers of K cells, with M > 2 and N = K*M, since the layers must be coupled to each other.

[0004] Busbars are rigid, single-strand electrical conductors, generally made of copper or aluminum, and therefore the greater the number of busbars in a cell module, the higher its weight and cost. Furthermore, the greater the number of busbars in a cell module, the more complex its assembly, which further increases its cost.

[0005] It has also been proposed to define each cell module by superimposing N cells similar to those presented above, with the addition of two pairs of through holes defined on two opposite sides among their four sides. These through holes are traversed by assembly rods to achieve the mechanical assembly of the cell module, and the electrical couplings (or connections) are made in a separate and dedicated area. A major drawback of this arrangement lies in the fact that the separate and dedicated area increases significantly The overall size of the cellular module and its design proves complex to achieve, just as it is complex to install.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose a suitable cellular module for equipping a cellular battery, and comprising N identical, flat, rectangular cells suitable for storing electrical energy, each having positive and negative terminals and four through holes defined on at least two of four sides and among which the first and second (through holes) are traversed by two assembly rods, with N > 2.

[0008] This cell module is characterized by the fact that:

[0009] - that each cell includes third and fourth through holes electrically conductive and coupled respectively to its positive and negative terminals, and

[0010] - that it comprises two conducting rods each passing through and contacting N holes through holes chosen from among the N third and / or N fourth through holes.

[0011] Thus all inter-cell electrical couplings are made via only two conductive rods, which offers compactness and great simplicity of assembly and architecture combined with reductions in mass and cost due to the fact that omnibus bars are no longer used.

[0012] The cell module according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0013] - in a first arrangement, the N cells can be installed one after the other above the others with their N third through holes placed one above the other and their N fourth through holes placed one above the other, so as to be mounted in parallel;

[0014] - in this first arrangement, each conducting rod can comprise at least N coupling zones placed one after the other and each designed to establish close electrical contact with a third or fourth through hole;

[0015] - in a second arrangement, the N cells can be installed one after the other above the others according to an alternation of first and second orientations in which a third through hole of an nth cell is placed above or below a fourth through hole of an (nl)th or (n+l)th cell, in order to be mounted in series;

[0016] - in this second arrangement, each conducting rod may comprise a alternating conductive coupling zones and non-coupling zones, each coupling zone being capable of electrically coupling a third through hole, respectively a fourth through hole, from an (nl)th cell to a fourth through hole, respectively a third through hole, from an nth cell;

[0017] - in the presence of the first or last sub-option, each coupling zone can to create a banana-type connector, with at least one domed sub-part;

[0018] - it may include a housing containing the mechanically assembled cells by the two assembly rods passing through their first and second through holes, and electrically coupled by the two conductive rods passing through and contacting their third and fourth through holes;

[0019] - each conducting rod can comprise at least N coupling zones placed the one after the other and each designed to establish close electrical contact with a third or fourth through hole.

[0020] The invention also proposes a cellular battery suitable for equipping a system, and comprising at least one cellular module of the type presented above.

[0021] For example, this cellular battery may comprise at least two cellular modules mounted in series by coupling a conductive rod having a positive polarity, respectively negative, to a conductive rod having a negative polarity, respectively positive.

[0022] Alternatively, this cell battery may comprise at least two cell modules mounted in parallel by coupling their conductive rods having the same positive polarity, respectively negative, and coupling their conductive rods having the same negative polarity, respectively positive.

[0023] The invention also proposes a system comprising at least one cellular battery of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] [Fig. 1] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a system constituting a vehicle and comprising a cellular battery comprising five cellular modules according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a cell intended to be part of a cellular module according to the invention and having a first orientation,

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates an example of an embodiment of a cell intended to be part of a cellular module according to the invention and having a second orientation,

[0028] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates part of a second example of the arrangement of a cellular module according to the invention, and comprising four cells having the first orientation illustrated in [Fig.2],

[0029] [Fig.5] schematically and functionally illustrates part of a first example of the arrangement of a cell module according to the invention, and comprising two cells having the first orientation illustrated in [Fig.2] and two cells having the second orientation illustrated in [Fig.3],

[0030] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an example of the embodiment of a conductive rod intended to be part of the cellular module illustrated in [Fig.4], and

[0031] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of one of the two conducting rods intended to form part of the cellular module illustrated in [Fig. 5]. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The invention aims in particular to provide a cellular module MC intended to be part of a cellular battery BC to equip a system S, and having simplified inter-cell electrical couplings.

[0033] In what follows, system S is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be a motor vehicle, such as a car, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. However, the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates to any type of system comprising at least one cell battery comprising at least one cell module. Thus, it relates to vehicles (land, sea (or river), and air), mobile equipment (including those that perform a lifting function), electronic devices (possibly household appliances and / or possibly mobile), installations (possibly industrial), and buildings, for example.

[0034] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the vehicle S is considered to comprise an all-electric powertrain (or PMT) (and therefore comprising at least one electric drive unit associated with a battery cell). However, the PMT could be of the hybrid type (and in this case, the vehicle S is powered by at least one internal combustion engine and one electric drive unit).

[0035] A system S (here a vehicle) comprising an all-electric GMP transmission chain (and therefore comprising at least one electric drive machine MME) and a cellular battery BC comprising several cellular modules MC according to the invention is schematically represented in [Fig.1].

[0036] The transmission chain has a power-driven mechanism (PDM) which, in this case, is purely electric, and therefore includes, in particular, in addition to its (electric) drive machine, a drive shaft and a transmission shaft. The term "drive machine" is understood here to mean "drive machine". electric » an electric machine arranged to provide torque to move the system S (here a vehicle), as well as possibly to recover regenerative braking torque.

[0037] The drive unit MME (here an electric motor) is coupled to the cell battery BC via a main electrical circuit, in order to be supplied with electrical energy, and also possibly to supply this cell battery BC with electrical energy during a regenerative braking phase. It is coupled to the motor shaft, to provide it with torque by rotational drive. This motor shaft is here coupled to a reduction gear RD which is also coupled to the transmission shaft, itself coupled to a first set of wheels Tl, preferably via a differential DF.

[0038] This first train Tl is located here in the front part of the vehicle S. But in a variant this first train Tl could be the one which is here referenced T2 and which is located in the rear part of the vehicle S.

[0039] The BC cellular battery comprises at least one MC cellular module with N CE cells suitable for storing electrical and optionally electrochemical energy, with N > 2. In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the BC cellular battery comprises five MC cellular modules. However, the number of MC cellular modules (according to the invention) in a BC cellular battery can be any value greater than or equal to one. It should be noted that these MC cellular modules can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0040] When each EC cell is electrochemical, it can, for example, be of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type.

[0041] By way of illustration, the BC cellular battery can be of the low voltage type (typically 450 V or 600 V for illustrative purposes). But it could also be of the medium voltage or high voltage type.

[0042] It should be noted that the BC cellular battery is associated with a BB battery case which includes, in particular, measuring means, for example for voltage, current and internal temperature (not shown), and a battery calculator. This BC cellular battery and this BB battery case can constitute a battery assembly (or "pack").

[0043] The N CE cells of a cellular module MC are identical, flat, rectangular in shape, and each have positive and negative terminals and four through holes TTk (k = 1 to 4) defined on at least two of their four sides Cj (j = 1 to 4).

[0044] It should be noted that in the two arrangement examples illustrated, without limitation, in Figures 4 and 5, the MC cell modules comprise four CE cells (n = 4). However, the number N of CE cells in an MC cell module can take any value greater than or equal to two.

[0045] It should also be noted that in the examples illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 5, each CE cell comprises a pair of first TT1 (k = 1) and fourth TT4 (k = 4) through holes on a first side Cl (j = 1), and a pair of second TT2 (k = 2) and third TT3 (k = 3) through holes on a second side C2 (j = 2) opposite the first side Cl. But in a first embodiment not shown, each CE cell could comprise a pair of first TT1 and second TT2 through holes on a first side Cl, and a pair of third TT3 and fourth TT4 through holes on a second side C2 opposite the first side Cl.In a second unillustrated embodiment, each CE cell could include a first hole through TT1 on a first side Cl, a second hole through TT2 on a second side C2 (e.g. opposite the first side Cl), a third hole through TT3 on a third side C3 (j = 3) (e.g. perpendicular to the first Cl and second C2 sides), and a fourth hole through TT4 on a fourth side C4 (j = 4) (e.g. opposite the third side C3).

[0046] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the first TT1 and second TT2 through holes of each CE cell are traversed by two assembly rods TA responsible for performing the mechanical assembly of the MC cell module (and in particular of its N cells stacked one above the other). These first TT1 and second TT2 through holes are preferably non-electrically conductive.

[0047] Each TA assembly rod can, for example, be a screw or a bolt.

[0048] Furthermore, the third TT3 and fourth TT4 through holes of each cell These are electrically conductive and coupled respectively to its positive and negative terminals.

[0049] Furthermore, and as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, each cellular module MC comprises two conductive rods TC which pass through and each contact N through holes which are chosen from the N third TT3 and / or N fourth TT4 through holes.

[0050] Thanks to this particular architecture, all the positive and negative terminals of the N cells can be electrically coupled in different arrangements by means of only two conductive rods TC perpendicular to the CE cells, which offers compactness and great simplicity of assembly and architecture combined with reductions in mass and cost due to the fact that bus bars are no longer used.

[0051] It should be noted that at least two different arrangements can be envisaged for a cellular module MC. They are both based on a superposition of N CE cells in the same spatial orientation or in two different spatial orientations.

[0052] A first spatial orientation ol of a CE cell is illustrated in [Fig.2], while a second spatial orientation o2 of this same CE cell is illustrated in [Fig.3]. Here, the first TT1 and second TT2 through holes are schematically represented by circles filled with white, the third through hole TT3 is schematically represented by a circle filled with black, and the fourth through hole TT4 is schematically represented by a circle filled with grey, in order to differentiate them from one another.

[0053] In a first arrangement illustrated in [Fig. 4], the N CE cells are installed one above the other with their N third through holes TT3 placed one above the other and their N fourth through holes TT4 placed one above the other. The N CE cells therefore all have the same first orientation ol illustrated in [Fig. 2] (case of the first arrangement in [Fig. 4]) or all have the same second orientation o2 illustrated in [Fig. 3]. A first conductive rod TC thus provides electrical coupling of the N positive terminals of the N CE cells via their respective N third through holes TT3, and a second conductive rod TC provides electrical coupling of the N negative terminals of the N CE cells via their respective N fourth through holes TT4, which allows the latter (CE) to be mounted in parallel.

[0054] In a second arrangement illustrated in [Fig. 5], the N CE cells are installed one above the other in an alternation of first 00 and second 02 orientations in which a third hole through TT3 of an nth CE cell is placed above or below a fourth hole through TT4 of an (n-1)th or (n+1)th CE cell. Thus, in the example illustrated in [Fig.5], there is on one side (here left) of the superposition of N CE cells the third hole through TT3 of the first CE cell, then above the fourth hole through TT4 of the second CE cell, then above the third hole through TT3 of the third CE cell, then above the fourth hole through TT4 of the fourth CE cell, and on the other side (here right) of this superposition of N CE cells the fourth hole through TT4 of the first CE cell, then above the third hole through TT3 of the second CE cell, then above the fourth hole through TT4 of the third CE cell, then above the third hole through TT3 of the fourth CE cell.A first conductive rod TC thus ensures electrical coupling from the positive terminal of the first CE cell to the negative terminal of the second CE cell, then from the positive terminal of the third CE cell to the negative terminal of the fourth CE cell via respectively their third through-hole TT3, fourth through-hole TT4, third through-hole TT3 and fourth through-hole TT4. A second conductive rod TC thus ensures electrical coupling from the positive terminal of the second CE cell to the negative terminal of the third CE cell, then from the terminal. positive from the fourth CE cell to its head, respectively via their fourth hole through TT4, third hole through TT3 and fourth hole through TT4. This allows the N CE cells to be mounted in series.

[0055] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 4 and 5, a cellular module MC may also include a housing BM containing the CE cells, which are mechanically assembled by the two assembly rods TA passing through their first TT1 and second TT2 through holes. In this case, the CE cells are also electrically coupled by the two conductive rods TC, which pass through and make contact with their third TT3 and fourth TT4 through holes, according to the chosen arrangement.

[0056] It should be noted that in the examples illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 4 and 5, only the "lower" part of the BM housing is shown, but the latter (BM) may also include an "upper" part (or cover) which is fixedly attached, and preferably in a watertight manner, to this lower part. This advantageously protects the N CE cells of each MC cell module. It should also be noted that one of the lower and upper parts of the BM housing includes passages (preferably watertight) allowing electrical connections to the two conductive rods TC, for example, for series or parallel connection with at least one neighboring MC cell module or for connection to an input or output terminal of the BC cell battery.

[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], each MC cell module may include a DC control circuit responsible for controlling the operation of the N cells and measuring parameters, such as at least one voltage, at least one current, or at least one internal temperature. Such a DC control circuit is preferably installed inside the optional BM housing, as illustrated non-limitingly.

[0058] It should also be noted that the various MC cell modules of a BC cell battery can be electrically coupled to each other via busbars or conductive strips, for example. Thus, a first BC cell battery can be defined, for example, comprising at least two MC cell modules connected in series by coupling a conductive rod TC having a positive, or respectively negative, polarity within one MC cell module to a conductive rod TC having a negative, or respectively positive, polarity within another MC cell module. Alternatively, a second BC cell battery can be defined comprising at least two MC cell modules connected in series by coupling their conductive rods TC having the same positive, or respectively negative, polarity, and coupling their conductive rods TC having the same negative, or respectively positive, polarity.

[0059] Also, for example, the threaded ends of the two TA assembly rods can be screwed into corresponding threaded holes defined in the "lower" wall of the lower part of the BM housing, or into nuts which are placed opposite an external face of this lower wall of the lower part of the BM housing.

[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 6], in the first arrangement (in parallel), each conductive rod TC can comprise at least N coupling zones ZC, which are placed one after the other and each of which is designed to establish close electrical contact with a third TT3 or fourth TT4 through-hole. It will be understood that a coupling zone ZC is a sub-part of a conductive rod TC that allows at least point electrical contact to be established with the electrically conductive part comprising a third TT3 or fourth TT4 through-hole. It should be noted that the number of coupling zones ZC of a conductive rod TC can be equal to N, as in the example illustrated in [Fig. 6], where it is equal to four to suit the first arrangement of [Fig. 4], or it can be greater than N to suit a stack of N CE cells or more than N CE cells.

[0061] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 7], in the second arrangement (in series), each conducting rod TC may comprise an alternation of conducting coupling zones ZC and non-coupling zones ZNC. It will be understood that a coupling zone ZC is followed by a non-coupling zone ZNC, itself followed by a coupling zone ZC, itself followed by a non-coupling zone ZNC, and so on as required. Or, a non-coupling zone ZNC is followed by a coupling zone ZC, itself followed by a non-coupling zone ZNC, itself followed by a coupling zone ZC, and so on as required. In this case, each coupling zone ZC is designed to electrically couple a third hole through TT3, respectively a fourth hole through TT4, of an (nl)th cell to a fourth hole through TT4, respectively a third hole through TT3, of an nth cell CE.

[0062] In other words, a first conductive stem TC of a cellular module MC may have a first coupling zone ZC that electrically couples the third through-hole TT3 of the first CE cell to the fourth through-hole TT4 of the second CE cell, then a first non-coupling zone ZNC between the second and third CE cells, then a second coupling zone ZC that electrically couples the third through-hole TT3 of the third CE cell to the fourth through-hole TT4 of the fourth CE cell, and then a second non-coupling zone ZNC after the fourth CE cell (here up to the head). And, the second conductive stem TC of this same cellular module MC may have a first zone of ZNC non-coupling between the first and second CE cells, then a second ZNC non-coupling zone which electrically couples the third hole through TT3 of the second CE cell to the fourth hole through TT4 of the third CE cell, then a second ZNC non-coupling zone between the third and fourth CE cells, then a second ZC coupling zone which electrically couples the third hole through TT3 of the fourth CE cell to the head.

[0063] Alternatively, a first conductive rod TC of a cellular module MC may have a first coupling zone ZC which electrically couples the fourth through hole TT4 of the first CE cell to the third through hole TT3 of the second CE cell, then a first non-coupling zone ZNC between the second and third CE cells, then a second coupling zone ZC which electrically couples the fourth through hole TT4 of the third CE cell to the third through hole TT3 of the fourth CE cell, then a second non-coupling zone ZNC after the fourth CE cell (here up to the head).And, the second conductive stem TC of this same cellular module MC can have a first non-coupling zone ZNC between the first and second CE cells, then a first coupling zone ZC which electrically couples the fourth hole through TT4 of the second CE cell to the third hole through TT3 of the third CE cell, then a second non-coupling zone ZNC between the third and fourth CE cells, then a second coupling zone ZC which electrically couples the fourth hole through TT4 of the fourth CE cell to the head.

[0064] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 6] or 7, each coupling zone ZC can constitute a banana-type connector, with at least one domed (or convex) sub-part SP. It should be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 6 and 7, the number of domed (or convex) SP sub-parts of each coupling zone ZC is three. However, this number can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0065] It should also be noted that each non-coupling zone ZNC can be flat (or concave), or can constitute a banana-type connector, with at least one domed (or convex) sub-part SP covered with an electrical insulator.

[0066] It should also be noted that it is also possible to construct a cellular module MC in which there are both electrically coupled CE cells and electrically coupled CE cells in parallel. It is then within the capabilities of those skilled in the art to adapt the two conducting rods TC to this series / parallel arrangement of the cellular module MC by combining "series portions" and "parallel portions" of the conducting rods described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

Claims

Demands

1. Cellular module (CM) suitable for equipping a cellular battery (CB) and comprising N identical, flat, rectangular cells (CM) suitable for storing electrical energy, each having positive and negative terminals and four through holes (TTk) defined on at least two of four sides (Cj) and among which the first (TT1) and second (TT2) are traversed by two assembly rods (TA), with N > 2, characterized in that each cell (CM) comprises third (TT3) and fourth (TT4) electrically conductive through holes coupled respectively to said positive and negative terminals, and in that it comprises two conductive rods (CT) traversing and each contacting N through holes chosen from among the N third (TT3) and / or N fourth (TT4) through holes.

2. Cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that said N cells (CE) are installed one above the other with their N third through holes (TT3) placed one above the other and their N fourth through holes (TT4) placed one above the other, so as to be mounted in parallel.

3. Cell module according to claim 2, characterized in that each conductive rod (TC) comprises at least N coupling zones (ZC) placed one after the other and each suitable for establishing close electrical contact with a third (TT3) or fourth (TT4) through hole.

4. Cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that said N cells (CE) are installed one above the other in an alternation of first and second orientations in which a third through hole (TT3) of an nth cell (CE) is placed above or below a fourth through hole (TT4) of an (nl)th or (n+l)th cell (CE), in order to be mounted in series.

5. Cell module according to claim 4, characterized in that each conductive rod (CT) comprises an alternation of conductive coupling zones (CZ) and non-coupling zones (NCZ), each coupling zone (CZ) being adapted to electrically couple a third through-hole (TT3), respectively a fourth through-hole (TT4), of a (nl)th cell to a fourth hole traversing (TT4), respectively a third through hole (TT3), of an nth cell (CE).

6. Cellular module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a housing (BM) housing said cells (CE) mechanically assembled by said two assembly rods (TA) passing through their first (TT1) and second (TT2) through holes, and electrically coupled by said two conductive rods (TC) passing through and contacting their third (TT3) and fourth (TT4) through holes.

7. Cellular battery (CB) suitable for equipping a system (S), characterized in that it comprises at least one cellular module (CM) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Battery according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two cell modules (CM) mounted in series by coupling a conductive rod (CT) having a positive polarity, respectively negative, to a conductive rod (CT) having a negative polarity, respectively positive.

9. Battery according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two cell modules (CMs) mounted in parallel by coupling their conductive rods (CTs) having the same positive polarity, respectively negative, and coupling their conductive rods (CTs) having the same negative polarity, respectively positive.

10. System (S), characterized in that it comprises at least one cellular battery (BC) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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