Electrical module for an electric battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of cells (4), the electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of connection devices (5). Each connection device (5) is capable of electrically connecting two adjacent cells (4) along a first longitudinal axis (X) of the cells (4) to form a pair (6) of cells (4). Each electrical cell (4) comprises two terminals (7, 8): a positive terminal (7) and a negative terminal (8). The negative terminal is located opposite the positive terminal (7) along the first longitudinal axis (X). In the module (2), the connection devices (5) are interlockable with each other, and the connection devices (5) are precisely positioned between two adjacent cells (4) along the first longitudinal axis (X).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric batteries for electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to electric battery modules. More particularly, the present invention relates to modules with "pouch" type lithium-ion electrochemical cells, i.e., cells within a pouch. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric battery intended to equip an electric vehicle includes several electric modules, each of which comprises a number of electric cells.

[0003] These modules are assembled by connecting the electric cells together, which can be of series and / or parallel type depending on the requirements of the car manufacturer.

[0004] In current modules, the cells are arranged in cartridges that define housings provided to house the cells. These cartridges allow the cells to be connected together. The module therefore comprises several stages, each stage containing two cartridges each containing a cell.

[0005] These modules have many drawbacks. Experience has shown that they are particularly time-consuming for an operator to assemble. Due to the multiple time-consuming handling operations, in particular, manufacturing these modules has proven incompatible with industrial production speeds, which are expected to increase dramatically in the future. Finally, due to the presence of cartridges, these modules are bulky and heavy, thus resulting in overloading and loss of space to the detriment of the overall performance of the vehicle and the comfort of the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for improved electrical module construction.

[0007] Thus, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this reason, firstly, an electric module comprising a plurality of cells is proposed, the electric module comprising a plurality of connection devices, each of which is capable of electrically connecting two adjacent cells along a first longitudinal axis of the cells to form a cell pair, each of which comprises two connectors, a positive connector and a negative connector arranged opposite the positive connector along the first longitudinal axis, and these connection devices are interlockable with each other.

[0009] In this way, the connection devices are compact so that their bulk is reduced to a necessary minimum. Therefore, the modules are less bulky and lighter. Additionally, these connection devices facilitate the assembly of the modules by making the assembly operation less time consuming. This increases the production rate of these modules.

[0010] Various additional features may be provided, either alone or in combination:

[0011] the connecting device is precisely positioned between two adjacent cells along the first longitudinal axis; the module comprises a plurality of pairs of cells arranged one on top of the other along a second stacking axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, whereby a connection device for connecting a given pair of electrical cells fits within a connection device for connecting an immediately adjacent pair of electrical cells along the second stacking axis; the connecting device comprises a base made of an electrically insulating material and a plate made of an electrically conductive material and fixed to the base, in each pair of electric cells, a positive connector of one cell is contacted to the plate, and a negative connector of the other cell in the pair is contacted to the plate so as to connect the cells of the same pair in series; The connection devices have an upper surface to which the plates are secured and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the connection devices have at least one wall that protrudes from the upper surface and defines a receiving hole, the connection devices have at least one finger that protrudes from the lower surface and is insertable into the receiving hole in an adjacent connection device to secure the connection devices to each other, the base of the connection device comprises a side wall, which forms a seat and is intended to contact the top surface of an adjacent connection device; the base further comprises two openings made in the wall, each of which is intended to allow a connector in a pair of adjacent cells to pass through; The module is a first end of the connection device having a first metallic terminal of positive polarity and projecting along a third transverse axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second stacking axis; a second end of the connection device having a second metal terminal of negative polarity and projecting along a third transverse axis, wherein pairs of cells are connected together in series, the first and second terminals being positive and negative terminals of the module, respectively, the first and second ends of the connection device being incorporated into another connection device and located at a transverse end of the module; the plate comprises a metal part protruding from the base, which metal part can and is intended to be in contact with a cooling system for cooling the plate and the connectors of the cells; The metal part must protrude from the opposite side of the terminal. at each longitudinal end of the module, adjacent pairs of cells are electrically connected two by two, with the positive connectors connected to the negative connectors, thereby forming a series connection of all cells in said module; in each pair of cells, the cells are arranged substantially contiguous with one another; the module comprising a piece of foam disposed between two adjacent cells along the second stacking axis; the connection device has a dimension that is precisely less than the width of the electric cell, whereby said module comprises a storage area, which is intended to store an electronic management system of said module, said dimension and width being measured along a third transverse axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis and the second stacking axis; the module includes an electronic management system disposed in the storage area; the electronic management system is capable of communicating with the electronic management systems of adjacent modules; The modules can communicate with adjacent modules via a wireless system; The communication means is an optical beam type. the cell being of the secondary electrochemical type; the cell is of the primary electrochemical type; the cell comprises electrodes stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by a separator, the cell comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte and being contained in a pouch; The connection device does not extend out of the spaces located between the cells along the first longitudinal axis.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle equipped with an electrical module according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrical module according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a two-dimensional schematic side view of an electrical module according to the present invention; [Figure 4]1 is a two-dimensional schematic view of an electrical module according to the invention, seen from above; [Figure 5] 2 is another schematic perspective view of an electrical module according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connection device of an electrical module according to the invention; [Figure 7] 7 is another schematic perspective view of the connection device in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connection device in an electrical module. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1 shows an electric vehicle 1 equipped with several electrical modules 2. The modules 2 are arranged on a chassis 3 of the electric vehicle 1. As can be seen, the modules 2 extend transversely from one side of the electric vehicle 1 to the other.

[0015] The electric modules 2 together form the battery of the electric vehicle.

[0016] The module 2 comprises several cells 4. The number of cells 4 depends on the requirements of the car manufacturer.

[0017] The cells 4 can be of the secondary electrochemical type or of the primary electrochemical type.

[0018] In the following description, the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions indicated by the trihedron X, Y, Z are chosen non-limitingly and are not related to the Earth's gravity: The -X axis corresponds to the first longitudinal axis; The -Z axis is perpendicular to the X axis and corresponds to the second stacking axis. The -Y axis is perpendicular to the X and Z axes and corresponds to the third transverse axis. The trihedron XYZ defines an XY plane, an XZ plane, and a YZ plane.

[0019] 1, the electric vehicle 1 comprises three modules 2 aligned next to each other along the Z axis. This arrangement, as well as the number of modules, is not limited.

[0020] The electrical module 2 includes several connection devices 5. The connection devices 5 are suitable and intended to electrically connect two adjacent cells 4 along the X-axis. It should be understood that the connection devices 5 therefore make it possible to form pairs 6 of cells 4, which correspond to two cells 4 connected by the connection devices 5. The pairs 6 of cells 4 extend in alignment with each other along the X-axis.

[0021] Each cell 4 has two connectors 7, 8: a positive connector 7 and a negative connector 8. The negative connector 8 is located opposite the positive connector 7 along the X axis. Thus, the connectors 7, 8 are not located on the same side of the cell.

[0022] The connection devices 5 can fit into each other.

[0023] Thus, because the connection devices are compact, their bulk is reduced to a necessary minimum. Therefore, the modules are less bulky and lighter. Additionally, these connection devices facilitate the assembly of the modules by making these assembly operations less time consuming. This increases the production rate of these modules.

[0024] Advantageously, the connection device 5 is positioned exactly between two adjacent cells 4 along the X axis. By "exactly positioned", it is to be understood that the connection device 5 is positioned between two adjacent cells 4 along the X axis. In other words, the connection device 5 does not extend out of the space 9 located between the cells along the X axis.

[0025] Thus, the connection device is compact, so that its bulk is reduced to a necessary minimum.

[0026] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises several pairs 6 of cells. As mentioned above, each pair 6 of cells 4 comprises two cells 4 connected to each other by a connection device 5.

[0027] Advantageously, the pairs 6 are arranged one above the other along the Z axis, and the connection device 5 for connecting a given pair 6 of cells 4 fits into the connection device 5 for connecting pairs 6 of electric cells 4 that are immediately adjacent along the Z axis.

[0028] The term "mating" means that the connection devices 5 are inserted into each other and secured to each other.

[0029] This arrangement allows the pairs 6 of cells 4 to be pre-assembled, and in fact the operator can carry out other tasks on the module 2 without having to take care about the central area of ​​the module 2 where the connection device 5 is located.

[0030] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises a base 10. The base 10 is made of an electrically insulating material. The connection device 5 comprises a plate 11 made of an electrically conductive material. The plate 11 is fixed to the base 10. As a non-limiting example, the plate 11 can be fixed to the base 10 by overmolding.

[0031] In each pair 6 of cells 4, the positive connector 7 of one cell 4 contacts the plate 11, and the negative connector 8 of the other cell 4 of the same pair 6 also contacts the plate 11. In this way, the cells 4 of the same pair 6 are connected in series. Note that the positive and negative terminals 7, 8 are fixed to the plates, for example by welding.

[0032] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises an upper surface 12 to which the plate 11 is fixed. Opposite the upper surface 12, the connection device 5 comprises a lower surface 13.

[0033] Advantageously, the connection device 5 comprises two walls 14 projecting from the top surface 12 along the Z axis. The walls 14 define a receiving hole 15.

[0034] By way of non-limiting example, wall 14 is substantially circular, but could just as easily be square or rectangular.

[0035] The connection device 5 comprises two fingers 16 protruding from the lower surface 13 along the Z axis, each finger 16 being arranged in extension of the wall 14 along the Z axis.

[0036] Each finger 16 on a given connection device 5 can be inserted into a receiving hole 14 on an adjacent connection device 5 .

[0037] The fingers 16 and the wall 14 together form a guidance and fixation system for the connection device 5 .

[0038] Each finger 16 has two straight walls 17 that together form a cross. The length L1 of at least one of the straight walls 17 is substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the receiving hole 15. In this way, the finger 16 is inserted into the receiving hole 15 to secure the two connection devices 5 together with force.

[0039] Advantageously, the base 10 of the connection device 5 comprises a side wall 18. The side wall 18 forms a seat for the connection device 5. The side wall 18 has a seat surface 19 intended to come into contact with the top surface 12 of an adjacent connection device 5.

[0040] Advantageously, the base 10 comprises two openings 20 made in the wall 14. The openings 20 are suitable and intended for the passage of the positive and negative connectors 7, 8 of adjacent pairs 6 of cells 4.

[0041] As can be seen in the figure, the receiving holes 15 and pins 16 are arranged along the axis on either side of the plate 11. This arrangement makes it possible to properly secure the connection devices 5 together.

[0042] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises a first end 21 of the connection device and a second end 22 of the connection device.

[0043] The first and second ends 21 , 22 of the connection device, which is integrated into the other connection device 5 , are located at the transverse end 23 of the module 2 .

[0044] The ends 21, 22 of the connection device differ from the connection device 5 in that they include metal terminals 24, 25 that protrude from the base along the Y axis. The metal terminals 24, 25 are generally L-shaped.

[0045] Thus, the first end 21 of the connection device comprises a first metal terminal 24 of positive polarity, and the second end 22 of the connection device comprises a second metal terminal 25 of negative polarity.

[0046] The first and second metal terminals 24, 25 are the positive and negative terminals of the module 2, respectively.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment of the connection device 5, shown in FIG. 9, the plate 11 comprises a metal portion 26 protruding from the base 10. The protruding metal portion 26 extends along the Z axis. This metal portion 26 can be, and is intended to be, in contact with a cooling system (not shown). Thus, both the plate 11 and the connectors 7, 8 of the cell 4 can be cooled by thermal conduction. The metal portion 26 protrudes on the opposite side from the terminals 24, 25. In other words, the metal portion 26 protrudes along the Y axis, but in the opposite direction to the direction in which the terminals 24, 25 protrude.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, pairs 6 of cells 4 are connected together in series. Thus, adjacent pairs 6 of cells 4 at each longitudinal end 29 of the module, i.e., along the X-axis, are electrically connected two by two, with the positive connector connected to the negative connector. In this manner, all of the cells 4 of the module 2 are connected in series.

[0049] Alternatively, pairs 6 of cells 4 can be connected together in parallel.

[0050] Advantageously, in each pair 6 of cells 4, the cells 4 are arranged substantially consecutively to one another along the X axis.

[0051] Such an arrangement makes it possible to optimize the surface and volumetric bulk of the module 2 on the electric vehicle 1, as can be seen in FIG. 1 where the cells 4 extend from one side of the electric vehicle 1 to the other.

[0052] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises a piece of foam 27 arranged along the Z axis between two adjacent cells 4. The piece of foam 27 is deformable, making it possible to accommodate volumetric variations of the cells 4 during use.

[0053] Advantageously, the connection device 5 has a dimension H1 measured along the Y axis. The cell 4 has a width J1 measured along the Y axis. The dimension H1 of the connection device 5 is less than the width J1 of the cell.

[0054] Thus, module 2 includes a storage area 28 that can house the electronic management system of module 2 .

[0055] Advantageously, the module 2 comprises an electronic management system (not shown), which is located in the storage area 28.

[0056] Advantageously, the electronic management system of a given module 2 can and is intended to communicate with the electronic management systems of adjacent modules 2. This communication is preferably of the optical type and therefore wireless. In particular, it is a communication by light beam.

[0057] It should be noted that other types of communication may also be considered, for example Wi-Fi type communication.

[0058] Communication by optical beam has several advantages, including simplifying the construction of the module 2 by eliminating cables, limiting the risk of technical issues, reducing handling operations, limiting the risk of short circuits, and thereby improving the safety of the module 2.

[0059] This type of communication is made possible by the location of the storage area 28 in the center of the module 2, or in other words, between the cells 4 along the X axis. This positioning of the storage area 28 allows the electronic management systems of all modules to be aligned along the X axis to allow light beams to communicate in a straight line.

[0060] Advantageously, the cells comprise electrodes stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by separators. These cells comprise a non-aqueous electrolyte. These cells are of the "pouch" type, i.e. are in a pouch.

[0061] In one embodiment, not shown, the connection device advantageously comprises a groove located in the center of the module, which serves to connect adjacent modules. In particular, this groove makes it possible to reduce the height of the battery (comprising several modules).

Claims

1. 1. An electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of cells (4), the electrical module (2) comprising a plurality of connection devices (5), each connection device (5) capable of electrically connecting two adjacent cells (4) along a first longitudinal axis (X) of the cells (4) to form a pair (6) of cells (4), each electrical cell (4) comprising two connectors (7, 8), each connector being a positive connector (7) and a negative connector (8) disposed on the opposite side of the positive connector (7) along the first longitudinal axis (X), the connection devices (5) being interlockable with each other.

2. 2. The module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connection device (5) is positioned exactly between two adjacent cells (4) along the first longitudinal axis (X).

3. 3. The module (2) of claim 2, comprising a plurality of pairs (6) of cells (4), the pairs (6) being arranged one on top of the other along a second stacking axis (Z) that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X), whereby a connection device (5) for connecting a given pair (6) of electric cells (4) fits within a connection device (5) for connecting pairs (5) of electric cells (4) that are immediately adjacent along the second stacking axis (Z).

4. 4. The module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the connection device (5) comprises a base (10) made of an electrically insulating material and a plate (11) made of an electrically conductive material and fixed to the base (10), and in each pair (6) of electric cells (4), the positive connector (7) of one cell (4) is contacted to the plate (11) and the negative connector (8) of the other cell (4) in the pair (6) is contacted to the plate (11) so as to connect the cells (4) of the same pair (6) in series.

5. 5. The module (2) of claim 4, wherein the connection device (5) comprises an upper surface (12) to which the plate (11) is fixed and a lower surface (13) opposite the upper surface (12), the connection device (5) comprises at least one wall (14) that protrudes from the upper surface (12) and defines a storage hole (15), and the connection device (5) comprises at least one peg (16) that protrudes from the lower surface (13) and is insertable into the storage hole (15) of an adjacent connection device (5) to secure the connection devices (5) to each other.

6. 6. A module (2) according to claim 5, wherein the base (10) of the connection device (5) comprises side walls (18) which form a seat and are intended to contact the top surface (12) of an adjacent connection device (5), and wherein the base (10) further comprises two openings (20) made in the walls (14), each of the openings (20) intended to allow a connector (7, 8) of a pair (6) of adjacent cells (4) to pass through.

7. a first end (21) of the connection device having a first metal terminal (24) of positive polarity and projecting along a third transverse axis (Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X) and the second stacking axis (Z); a second end (22) of the connection device having a second metal terminal (25) of negative polarity and projecting along said third transverse axis (Y); Equipped with the pair (6) of cells (4) are connected together in series, the first terminal (24) and the second terminal (25) are the positive and negative terminals of the module (2), respectively, and the first and second ends (21, 22) of the connection device are incorporated into another connection device (5) and are located at the transverse ends (23) of the module (2); A module (2) according to claim 6.

8. 8. A module (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the plate (11) comprises a metal portion (26) protruding from the base (10), the metal portion (26) being capable of and intended to be in contact with a cooling system for cooling the plate (11) and the connectors (7, 8) of the cells (4).

9. A module (2) as claimed in claim 8 and further dependent on claim 7, wherein the metal portion (26) protrudes on the side opposite to the terminals (24, 25).

10. 10. The module (2) of claim 1, wherein at each longitudinal end (29) of the module (2), adjacent pairs (6) of cells (4) are electrically connected two by two, with positive connectors (7) connected to negative connectors (8), thereby forming a series connection of all the cells (4) in the module (2).

11. A module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in each pair (6) of cells (4), said cells (4) are arranged substantially contiguous with one another.

12. 12. The module (2) of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a piece of foam material (27) arranged between two adjacent cells (4) along the second stacking axis (Z).

13. 13. The module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connection device (5) has a dimension (H1) that is precisely less than the width (J1) of the electric cells (4), whereby the module (2) comprises a storage area (28) intended to store an electronic management system of the module (2), the dimension (H1) and the width (J1) being measured along a third transverse axis (Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (X) and the second stacking axis (Z).

14. The module (2) of claim 13, including an electrical management system disposed in the storage area (28).

15. 15. A module (2) according to claim 14, wherein the electronic management system is capable of communicating with the electronic management systems of adjacent modules (2).

16. 16. A module (2) according to claim 15, capable of communicating with adjacent modules (2) by means of a wireless system.

17. 17. The module (2) according to claim 16, wherein the communication system is of the optical beam type.

18. A module (2) according to claim 16, wherein said communication system is of the Wi-Fi type.

19. A module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cells (4) are of the secondary electrochemical type.

20. A module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cells (4) are of the primary electrochemical type.

21. 21. The module (2) of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the cells comprise electrodes stacked on top of each other and separated from each other by separators, the cells comprise a non-aqueous electrolyte, and the cells are in a pouch.

22. The module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the connection devices (5) do not extend outside the spaces (9) located between the cells (4) along the first longitudinal axis (X).

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