Electronic subassembly for vehicle battery
The electronic subassembly with pre-positioned components on a support enables safer and more efficient assembly and maintenance of vehicle batteries by allowing operations in a de-energized environment, addressing the challenges of high-voltage handling and weight reduction in existing assembly methods.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/064760
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-29
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for assembling vehicle batteries, particularly for electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicles, are cumbersome and risky due to high-voltage operations, requiring bulky protective gloves that hinder dexterity and increase weight, while complex mounting structures complicate assembly and maintenance.
An electronic subassembly with pre-positioned components, including an electronic control board and electrical cables, is mounted on a support outside the battery casing, allowing assembly in a de-energized environment, eliminating the need for high-voltage handling and reducing weight by avoiding bulky rails.
Facilitates safer, easier, and more efficient assembly and maintenance of vehicle batteries by allowing operators to work in a non-high-voltage environment, reducing the need for cumbersome protective gear and simplifying component handling, while minimizing weight and improving thermal performance.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025064760_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Electronic subassembly for vehicle battery
[0001] The invention relates to an electronic subassembly for a vehicle battery. The invention also relates to a battery capable of receiving such a subassembly and to a vehicle comprising such a battery. Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling the subassembly within the battery.
[0002] A vehicle battery, particularly for an electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle, generally consists of a casing housing multiple modules, each containing battery cells that provide electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. This energy powers the vehicle's electrical components, such as an electric motor, an internal combustion engine for starting, the vehicle's control unit, electrical accessories, and systems that maintain the stability of the electrical system under various operating conditions. The battery's functions are controlled by the battery electronics, or battery electronic system, which connects the battery modules to the electrical components and is configured to ensure safe and efficient battery operation.
[0003] The battery's electronic system comprises a variety of electronic components for managing the modules, such as an electronic control board for the battery modules (for example, a board called a BMS, or "battery management system"), sensors, and a junction box. Such a system is described, for example, in document US2024097259. The electronic system also includes electrical components such as cables and switches, connecting the electronic components to each other or to the battery modules, or connecting the modules to the external battery, i.e., the electrical components to be powered. Generally, the electronic system is integrated inside the battery casing, on either side of the battery modules. This assembly is typically performed by an operator, piece by piece, under high voltage.Under high-voltage conditions, operator safety is crucial, and therefore specialized gloves are required. These gloves are often bulky and can hinder operator dexterity when handling small components and making cable connections. Furthermore, it is known, notably from document US2016226108, to provide a battery with a compartment equipped with rails for sliding a module control element, facilitating its installation and removal for various operations such as inspection or updates. However, such a structure is bulky and increases the battery's weight, which is undesirable, especially in the case of a motor vehicle. Finally, document US2017187014 describes a battery module, and document US2015318522 describes a device comprising two batteries connected in series.
[0004] The present invention aims in particular to facilitate the assembly of the battery while ensuring the safety of operators.
[0005] To this end, the invention proposes an electronic sub-assembly for a vehicle battery, configured to form a connection between battery modules and electrical components of the vehicle, the sub-assembly comprising components, among which: - an electronic board for the control of the battery modules, and - a plurality of electrical cables connected to one or more of the other components, the sub-assembly comprising a support for pre-positioning each of the components, configured to be brought, with the pre-positioned components, into a compartment of a battery case comprising the battery modules.
[0006] The invention therefore proposes a subassembly comprising a support on which battery components are pre-positioned, advantageously an electronic control board for the modules and electrical cables, enabling the battery to function. Since the components are positioned on the support before the support is mounted in the battery casing, the positioning steps can be carried out before any electrical connection to the battery modules, thus avoiding a high-voltage environment. Thanks to the invention, it is therefore possible to perform electronic assembly in a de-energized environment, or at least not under high voltage, allowing the operator to carry out several steps without having to implement the safety measures required for a high-voltage environment.In particular, unlike the piece-by-piece assembly carried out directly in the battery case in the prior art, the wearing of cumbersome gloves is no longer required to handle the components, so operators can assemble the components more easily and quickly, especially the thinnest and most difficult-to-handle components.
[0007] The term "pre-positioned" means that the components are positioned on the support in advance, before the support is inserted into the battery housing. For this purpose, the support includes means for pre-positioning each component. Furthermore, preferably in this description, the term "pre-positioned" also means that no electrical connection is established between the components and the battery modules during pre-positioning; this connection is established after pre-positioning.
[0008] It is also understood that the battery for which the electronic sub-assembly is used is preferably a high-voltage battery, specifically a battery of approximately 400V (volts) for electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicles. For example, the battery comprises eight modules in series, each providing 48V (volts), with each module potentially containing twelve cells.
[0009] It is also understood that by providing a pre-positioning support, the need to mount components directly onto a battery case base, a battery cooling plate, or the complex, bulky, and heavy rails used in prior art is avoided. Consequently, the battery case with complex mounting structures for assembling the electronic system is eliminated, as these structures are provided on the support, which is easier to attach to the battery case. Furthermore, with the proposed support, the operator is not restricted to handling components within the confined space of the battery case. Because the pre-positioning is done outside the case, the operator has greater freedom of movement. The assembly of the electronic system is therefore significantly simplified.In addition to assembly, maintenance of the electronic system can also be facilitated, because to carry out a repair or check on the electronic system, a repairer can disassemble the support and work on the sub-assembly with the power off.
[0010] The term "electronic board for battery module control" refers to a "printed circuit board" or PCB. An electronic board can be a plate that holds and electrically connects a set of electronic components.
[0011] Furthermore, the term "electrical cables" refers to both high-voltage and low-voltage cables. Such electrical cables can be configured to connect components to each other or to battery modules, or to connect the modules to the outside of the battery. "High-voltage cables" are designed to carry high levels of electrical voltage, for example, voltages above 60V. These cables are typically in the form of a strip, such as a busbar. "Low-voltage cables" are designed to carry voltage levels that are relatively lower than those of high-voltage cables, for example, voltages below 60V. These cables are typically in the form of small-gauge wires, such as single wires, pairs, or bundles of such wires.Thanks to the subassembly provided by the invention, not only are electronic components such as the circuit board easily and securely positioned on the support, but the electrical cables are also pre-positioned and advantageously connected to the pre-positioned components. Thus, after mounting the subassembly in the battery housing, an operator simply needs to connect the cables to the ends of the support, linking a free end of the pre-positioned cables to one or more battery modules. The electrical connection of the electronic subassembly to the modules can therefore be made with a single, simple action. Therefore, thanks to the invention, the operator can complete the assembly of the battery's electronic system with simple steps.
[0012] The electronic subassembly may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination:
[0013] The bracket is designed to be removable from the battery housing. This allows an operator to easily remove the battery housing assembly—including the bracket—and potentially disconnect the power supply to replace the faulty component. Replacing the defective component also allows the operator to remove bulky gloves, enabling them to handle it with greater dexterity and freedom of movement. Furthermore, the bracket's removable mounting can be advantageous for battery maintenance.
[0014] - The removable pre-positioning bracket houses the entire electronic module management system. This facilitates assembly in a de-energized environment and also simplifies disassembly for maintenance. Furthermore, this bracket allows for a more efficient distribution of components over a larger surface area, minimizing hot spots inside the housing and thus improving heat dissipation, resulting in optimized battery thermal performance.
[0015] – The electronic control board includes at least one battery management system, called BMS (for “battery management system” in English), for the management of a battery module, preferably a central BMS called master and / or 'n' BMS called slaves configured to be connected each to a battery module, 'n' being a natural integer.
[0016] A battery management system, or "BMS," is a set of electronic devices designed to monitor, control, and protect battery modules, and more specifically, battery cells. The main functions of a BMS include monitoring the voltage, current, and temperature of the cells. The BMS ensures that the cells remain evenly charged, which extends battery life and guarantees optimal performance. Furthermore, the BMS can implement safety functions such as protection against overcharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, and excessive temperature, helping to prevent damage and ensure safe battery operation. With the proposed invention, the BMS can therefore be pre-positioned on the support before being mounted in the battery case.Thus, the physical installation of the BMS is facilitated, and also, the electrical cables can be correctly placed to ensure optimal battery performance.
[0017] Preferably, the battery management system comprises a master BMS and / or n slave BMSs, each configured to be connected to a battery module, where n is a natural number, and to the master BMS. The master BMS is advantageously configured to control the slave BMSs, which in turn are configured to manage the modules. It is particularly advantageous to be able to pre-position the master BMS, the n slave BMSs on the mounting bracket, and the electrical cables connected to these BMSs. It is especially convenient for an operator to be able to assemble these components without being in a high-voltage environment. For example, n equals eight. With eight slave BMSs, the battery can accommodate eight battery modules. Advantageously, one module can supply 48V of power, so that the total battery voltage reaches approximately 400V.In an advantageous configuration, each module comprises twelve 4v cells, stacked one on top of the other.
[0018] The support includes means for snapping each BMS, for example in the form of a wall extending substantially perpendicularly to the support and comprising a snap-on lug for snapping the BMS against the wall and / or a guide rail for a pin of the BMS against the wall. It is understood that these snap-on means correspond to pre-positioning means included within the support.
[0019] The positioning of the BMS (Battery Management System) is critical within a battery; it is often necessary to ensure that the BMS is properly insulated to prevent short circuits. Thanks to the proposed support, and in particular the snap-fit mechanisms formed within the support, pre-positioning the BMS is made easier, and the operator's tasks are reduced and simplified. It is clear that such snap-fit mechanisms would be much more difficult to implement if the BMS were assembled directly into the battery, which is generally made of a metallic material. Furthermore, when a wall is designed to house the BMS, this wall effectively provides insulation. In addition, the snap-fit mechanisms allow for easy and removable mounting of the BMS, which can be advantageous for the maintenance department.
[0020] – The support includes holes and / or recesses for pre-positioning components. It is understood that these holes and / or recesses correspond to pre-positioning means included in the support.
[0021] Thus, the invention provides predefined shapes for receiving components to be mounted on the support, which greatly simplifies the operations to be performed by the operator and would be far more complex to incorporate directly into the battery housing. Furthermore, for manual assembly, the holes and / or recesses allow for the creation of identical electronic subassemblies, eliminating human-caused positioning inaccuracies. Advantageously, the recesses or holes define cavities or protrusions with a shape complementary to the shape of the component portion received in the recess.
[0022] Advantageously, the support can also include openwork parts to provide a reinforcement function for the support while allowing air to pass under one or more of the pre-positioned components, particularly under a junction box if it is pre-positioned on the support, to allow natural convection to regulate the average temperature of the components.
[0023] – The sub-assembly includes, among the components pre-positioned on the support, a junction box to transfer electrical energy to the vehicle's electrical components, the junction box being connected to the electronic board.
[0024] Generally, the junction box, or "jbox," serves as a connection interface between the vehicle's electrical components and the battery cells. More specifically, in this case, it's the junction box between the electrical components and the electronic control board for the modules, preferably a BMS (Battery Management System). Thanks to this invention, the junction box is pre-positioned on the mounting bracket so that the entire electronic system assembly, from the electrical cables connecting to the modules or the BMS, to the junction box connecting the components, can be carried out with the power off. Operators are therefore given greater freedom to organize, and even simplify, the routing of electrical cables within the battery's electronic system.
[0025] – The components pre-positioned on the support also include a pressure sensor and / or an electronic or electromechanical relay type switch and / or a current sensor.
[0026] Advantageously, the pressure sensor measures the pressure inside the battery. By pre-positioning the sensor on the mounting bracket, it is advantageously kept away from the modules, particularly the cells. This distance is especially important to prevent damage from the high-temperature gases escaping from the cells. Furthermore, pre-positioning the sensor reduces the need for handling, which is typically performed under high voltage. Similarly, an electronic or electromechanical relay switch and / or a current sensor are also kept away from the modules to prevent them from being affected by the high-temperature gases escaping from the cells.
[0027] Preferably, electronic and electromechanical relays are configured to control the flow of electrical current in the battery. These relays are advantageously mounted on the support to centralize the management system and also to prevent them from being affected by hot gases from the modules.
[0028] – The components pre-positioned on the support also include a pyroelectric switch, configured to cut an electrical connection in the event of a malfunction detected in the battery.
[0029] Advantageously, the pyroelectric switch, also known as a "pyrofuse," is configured to isolate the vehicle's battery in an emergency (e.g., in the event of an accident), specifically by cutting off the high-voltage circuit that powers the vehicle's electrical components. Preferably, the pyroelectric switch is a mechanically actuated fuse, triggered by an explosive charge, and is designed to rapidly interrupt the current, for example, by cutting a high-voltage cable, such as a busbar cable. Furthermore, pre-positioning the pyroelectric switch further reduces the need for handling that is typically performed under high voltage.
[0030] The support includes a housing for the pyroelectric switch and a gas vent cavity. The housing has a gas vent opening in a direction distinct from, or even opposite to, the electronic board. It is understood that this housing corresponds to pre-positioning means included within the support.
[0031] The pyrotechnic switch may release gases when activated. The pyrotechnic switch housing advantageously includes a vent to allow these gases to escape. Preferably, the vent is located in the opposite direction to the electronic board so that other components are not affected by these gases.
[0032] The support includes at least one pre-positioning rod for a component, preferably a threaded rod. For example, the rod consists of an insert overmolded into the support. Here again, it is proposed that the support incorporate as many functions as possible to facilitate assembly. It should be noted that integrating such a threaded rod is very easy to implement when the support is made of plastic. It is understood that this pre-positioning rod corresponds to pre-positioning means included within the support.
[0033] The bracket includes means for securing it within the battery compartment. For example, the bracket has openings for a threaded rod protruding from the compartment. Preferably, the means for securing it are designed to be removable, which is very useful for allowing maintenance without high voltage.
[0034] – The support is made of an electrically insulating material.
[0035] Preferably, the support is made of plastic, ideally a flame-resistant plastic material, for example, according to the safety standard "UL 94" for the flammability of plastic materials. Using a plastic support is innovative in the field of batteries and particularly advantageous. Not only can the battery weight be reduced, but plastic materials are also less expensive and very easy to mold into a desired shape, thus allowing for easy pre-positioning of components, especially when holes and / or indentations are formed in the support. Furthermore, the invention proposes mounting the electronic system on a plastic part rather than on a metal part, which is less electrically insulating.
[0036] Advantageously, the support is in the form of a plate with a substantially rectangular elongated portion, comprising three protruding portions distributed along its length, the protruding portions being adapted to carry BMS and the elongated portion being adapted to carry the junction box when the latter is provided.
[0037] The support includes a plate of insulating material and the pre-positioning means include pre-positioning impressions of the components.
[0038] The invention also relates to a vehicle battery comprising a housing having a first compartment housing battery modules and a second compartment housing an electronic sub-assembly as described above.
[0039] Therefore, the electronic subassembly occupies a distinct space within the battery and is thus separate from the modules. This arrangement allows the support to be brought into the battery casing, preferably in a removable manner, without having to disassemble the modules mounted in the casing.
[0040] Preferably, the housing also includes a third compartment for battery modules, with the first and third compartments stacked vertically. This results in a particularly compact battery, ideally suited for vehicle use. Furthermore, organizing the modules in two vertically stacked compartments simplifies the electronic connections between vehicle components and the modules, allowing them to be concentrated in a single, vertically distributed area. This simplifies and / or shortens the wiring. Consequently, the power modules are less bulky and heat dissipation is improved. Moreover, this design allows for vertical or lateral insertion and removal of the subassembly in a single movement, without having to disassemble the modules.
[0041] Preferably, the second compartment is at the same height as the first compartment and the third compartment is below the first compartment, so that the sub-assembly is easily accessible from the top of the battery, which simplifies maintenance.
[0042] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a battery as defined above. By "vehicle" is meant any vehicle, whether land-based such as a motor vehicle (car, motorcycle, truck, bus, train, machine, in particular construction equipment, etc.), marine such as a ship, aerial such as an aircraft or amphibious such as a submarine.
[0043] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle battery comprising a housing having a first compartment housing battery modules and a second compartment, the method comprising the following steps: a) assembly of components on a support in a de-energized environment so as to form an electronic subassembly comprising components including: - an electronic board for the control of the battery modules, - a plurality of electrical cables connected to one or more of the other components, the support being a pre-positioning support for each of the components configured to be brought, with the pre-positioned components, into the second compartment, b) insertion and fixing of the support in the second compartment in a high-voltage environment; etc.) connection of the modules and the electronic subassembly. Brief description of the figures
[0044] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0045] is a perspective view of the inside of a battery according to the invention.
[0046] is a perspective view of an electronic subassembly for the battery of the.
[0047] is a perspective view of a support for the electronic subassembly of the.
[0048] is an enlarged view from a slightly different angle, illustrating the electronic subassembly.
[0049] is an enlarged view from a slightly different angle.
[0050] is an enlarged view of the support, incorporating a pyroelectric switch.
[0051] is a diagram including the steps of a battery assembly process. Detailed description
[0052] We have shown on the image battery 1, specifically adapted for a vehicle. Battery 1 comprises a housing 10 forming a housing for a plurality of battery modules 110 and also an electronic sub-assembly 120.
[0053] As shown in the figure, the housing 10 has a first compartment 11 housing the modules 110 and a second compartment 12 housing the electronic sub-assembly 120. Preferably, the first 11 and the second 12 compartments are separated by a rim formed perpendicular to a lower plate carrying the modules 110 and the electronic assembly 120. However, it could be envisaged that the two compartments 11, 12 have a more extensive separating wall, or even no separating rim.
[0054] Preferably, the housing 10 also includes a third compartment 13, partially visible on the figure. This third compartment is configured to house additional battery modules 110. Advantageously, the first compartment 11 and the third compartment 13 are superimposed along the vertical Z direction.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first compartment 11 comprises four modules 110. Preferably, the third compartment 13 also comprises four modules 110. Thus, battery 1 comprises eight battery modules 110, advantageously distributed over two tiers. Each module 110 contains battery cells (not visible), for example, twelve prismatic cells of 4V each, so that each module delivers a voltage of 48V. Thus, battery 1 is a high-voltage battery, of approximately 400V, suitable for electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicles. This battery is configured to supply electrical power to the vehicle's electrical components, for example, one or more electric motors, a vehicle control unit, or electrical accessories such as headlights, a display, and a radio, among others.Of course, battery 1 is not limited to the one shown in the figure; in particular, it is possible to omit a third compartment 13 or even to include a fourth compartment. It is also possible to design a battery 1 with a different number of modules 110. However, for the invention, which will be described in more detail below, the battery comprises at least the first compartment 11 and the second compartment 12. Preferably, the two compartments 11 and 12 are aligned with each other in a horizontal direction, that is, they extend in the same principal plane (X, Y).
[0056] The electronic subassembly 120, housed in the second compartment 12, is advantageously positioned between the modules 110 and the connectors 15, or input and / or output sockets 15, to which the vehicle's electrical components are connected. The electronic subassembly 120 includes components that manage the modules 110 in order to convert the chemical energy of the cells in the modules 110 into electrical energy to be supplied to the electrical components. For this purpose, the housing includes an outer wall incorporating the sockets 15. In this example, the wall on which the connectors 15 are located extends vertically, substantially along the (Y, Z) plane. Advantageously, this wall delimits the compartment 12 so as to be as close as possible to the electronic subassembly 120.
[0057] Among the components pre-positioned on the electronic subassembly 120 are an electronic board 30 for controlling the battery modules 110 and a plurality 60 of electrical cables configured to connect the components to each other or to the battery modules, or to connect the modules to the outside of the battery. Examples 601 to 609 of cables 60 are described below. The electronic board 30 actually comprises several electronic boards 321, 322 described below, enabling the control of the modules 110. It is understood that the electronic board 30, or rather each electronic board 321, 322, corresponds to a printed circuit board, or PCB, integrating a plurality of electronic components soldered onto the printed circuit board to create a complex electronic circuit.
[0058] The electronic subassembly 120 alone is shown in the figure. The electronic subassembly 120 includes a support 20 on which the components are pre-positioned. In particular, the support 20 is configured to be placed, with the pre-positioned components, into the second compartment 12. By providing such a pre-positioning support 20, it is possible to mount the components onto the support 20 outside the battery housing 10, before placing the support 20 back into the second compartment 12. Being outside the housing 10, the assembly of the electronic subassembly 120 can be carried out in a non-high-voltage environment. Thus, an operator does not need to wear typically cumbersome protective gloves to handle the components, making assembly easier, more skillful, and safer.
[0059] Advantageously, the support 20 includes fastening means 21 in the second compartment 12. These fastening means 21 include, for example, openings for the passage of a threaded rod protruding from the bottom of the second compartment 12. Preferably, the fastening means are configured to provide removable mounting of the support 20, which is very useful for enabling maintenance outside of a high-voltage environment. Indeed, in the event of maintenance or a detected malfunction, an operator simply needs to remove the support 20 and place it in a de-energized environment. Furthermore, by placing the support 20 outside the housing 10, the operator has greater freedom of movement to skillfully manipulate the electronic subassembly without being constrained by the limited space of the battery 1.Furthermore, the fact that the components are pre-positioned is more interesting, because the positioning of the components is not affected by the removal of support 20.
[0060] As shown in the figure, the support 20 has holes and / or recesses 22 for pre-positioning the components. Thus, the component arrangement is predefined on the support 20; an operator simply inserts the components into their corresponding holes or recesses 22. Furthermore, since the assembly is done manually, the holes and / or recesses 22 ensure identical electronic subassemblies 120, thus eliminating positioning errors, particularly those caused by human error. It should be noted that the recesses 22 can accommodate clips for inserting electrical cables, such as the clip 23 shown in the figure.
[0061] As can be seen in the figure, the electronic board 30 includes at least one battery management system 32, called a BMS (for "battery management system"), for managing a battery module. Preferably, and as can be seen, the management system 32 comprises a central BMS, called the master BMS 321, and 'n' slave BMS 322, here eight slave BMS, each configured to be connected to a battery module 110. The master BMS 321 is advantageously configured to control each of the slave BMS 322, which in turn are each configured to manage a module 110. Preferably, a slave BMS 322 is connected to a module 110, notably by means of the electrical cables 60, more precisely cables 607, 609 visible in the figure. These electrical cables are pre-positioned on the support 20, notably by presenting a free end which can be connected to the module 110 by a simple gesture when inserting the pre-assembled support into the housing 10.The management system 32 is not limited to the number of slave BMS 322 described, in fact it can include 'n' slave BMS, 'n' being a natural integer that can be equal to eight or different from eight.
[0062] For pre-positioning the control system 32, the support 20 includes means for snapping each BMS, master BMS 321 and / or slave BMS 322. As can be seen in Figure 1 or Figure 2, for each slave BMS 322, the means comprise a wall 24 extending substantially perpendicularly from the support 20. This wall 24 is provided with a snap-in lug 244 arranged to lock the BMS 322 in position. Combined here, as seen in Figure 1, the wall 24 includes guide rails 248 with which the slave BMS 322 can cooperate, notably by means of a pin 249 provided for this purpose. Furthermore, the support 20 includes pre-positioning rods 26, these rods 26 being useful for mounting the master BMS 321. The support 20 allows for the advantageous pre-positioning of other electrical cables 60, in particular cables 603, 606, 608 visible on laou 3b for the connection between the master BMS 321 and each slave BMS 322.The support 20 also allows for the pre-positioning of high voltage electrical cables 60, for example two busbar type cables 605, 605', allowing the first and last of the series modules 110 to be connected to the electronic system, thus capable of supporting a voltage of 400v.
[0063] Furthermore, among the pre-positioned components, there is also a junction box 40 for transferring electrical energy to the vehicle's electrical components ( ), the junction box 40 being connected to the electronic board 30, for example by means of cables 601, 602 (Figures 3a, 3b). Advantageously, the support 20 is in the form of a plate having a substantially rectangular elongated portion 27, preferably having three projecting portions 27a, 27b, 27c distributed along its length, the outer projecting portions 27a, 27c being adapted to carry the slave BMS 322, the inner projecting portion 27b being adapted to carry the master BMS 321, and the elongated portion 27 being adapted to carry the junction box 40, as shown in Figures 2a, 2b.
[0064] Among other pre-positioned components, there is also a pyroelectric switch 50, configured to break an electrical connection if a malfunction is detected in the battery 1. The pyroelectric switch 50 is configured to isolate the battery from the vehicle in an emergency. Advantageously, the support 20 includes a housing 28 for receiving the pyroelectric switch 50 (Figures 2b, 4). The housing 28 defines a gas vent cavity and has at least one gas vent 29 in a direction separate from, or even opposite to, the electronic board 30, here opposite the BMS 321, 322. Thus, in the event of gas release from the switch 50, the released gases are directed away from the electronic board 30, in particular away from the BMS 321, 322.
[0065] The support 20 may further include a pressure sensor and / or an electronic or electromechanical relay-type switch and / or a current sensor, schematically represented by the general reference 55 in the figure. It is understood that when these or other additional components are provided, the support 20 includes means for receiving these components, in particular by means of holes and / or recesses 22 formed in the body of the support 20, preferably molded, or by means of pre-positioning rods 26 fixed or pre-formed on the support 20, preferably overmolded.
[0066] Advantageously, the support 20 is made of an electrically insulating material. Preferably, the support 20 is made of plastic. Plastic materials are less expensive and more easily molded into a desired shape, thus simplifying the design of the receiving and mounting means for the various components. Furthermore, plastic materials are relatively lightweight, which also allows for a lightweight electronic subassembly 120 for transport and has a minimal impact on the overall weight of the battery 1.
[0067] It is understood that means such as means 22, 24, 244, 248, 26, 28 described above correspond to means for pre-positioning the components of the electronic sub-assembly, carried by the support 20.
[0068] Thus, with the electronic sub-assembly 120 described above, it is possible to mount the electronic system of battery 1 more easily and safely in a de-energized environment before bringing this sub-assembly 120 back into the housing 10 of battery 1 to put it in an energized environment.
[0069] This illustrates the steps of a battery assembly process 500 for battery 1, process 500 comprising the following steps:
[0070] a) assembly 510 of electronic components on the support 20 in a de-energized environment so as to form the electronic subassembly 120 as described above,
[0071] b) insertion and fixing 520 of the support 20 in the second compartment 12 in a high-voltage environment; and
[0072] c) connection 530 of modules 110 and electronic sub-assembly 120.
[0073] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and other embodiments will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. List of references
[0074] 1: Battery 10: Battery housing 11: First compartment 12: Second compartment 13: Third compartment 15: Input and / or output connectors or sockets 20: Support 22: Holes and / or indentations 24: Wall 26: Pre-positioning rods 27: Elongated portion 27a, 27b, 27c: Projecting portions
[0075] 28: Housing for receiving the pyroelectric switch 50 29: Port 30: Electronic control board 32: Management system, called BMS 40: Junction box 50: Pyroelectric switch 55: Pressure sensor and / or switch and / or current sensor 60: Electrical cable 110: Modules 120: Electronic subassembly 244: Snap-in lug 248: Guide rails 249: Pin 321: Master BMS 322: Slave BMS 500: Assembly process 510: Step of assembling the components onto the support 20 520: Step of inserting and securing the support 20 into the second compartment 12 530: Step of connecting the modules 110 and the electronic subassembly 12 601 to 609: Electrical cables
Claims
A vehicle battery (1) comprising a housing (10) having a first compartment (11) housing battery modules (110) and a second compartment (12) housing an electronic subassembly (120) configured to form a connection between battery modules (110) and electrical components of the vehicle, the subassembly (120) comprising components including: - an electronic board (30) for controlling the battery modules (110), and - a plurality of electrical cables (60) connected to one or more of the other components, the battery being characterized in that: - the housing (10) further comprises a third compartment (13) housing battery modules (110), the first compartment (11) and the third compartment (13) being superimposed in a vertical direction, and in that the subassembly (120) includes a support (20) for pre-positioning each of the components, comprising means (22, 23, 24, 24, 248, 26,28) pre-positioning of each of the components and configured to be brought, with the pre-positioned components, into the second compartment (12). Battery (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a sub-assembly in which the electronic control board (30) includes at least one battery management system (32), called BMS (for "battery management system"), for the management of a battery module (110), preferably a central master BMS (321) and / or 'n' slave BMSs (322) configured to be connected each to a battery module (110), 'n' being a natural number. Battery (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a sub-assembly in which the pre-positioning means included in the support (20) include snap-on means (24, 244) for each BMS, for example in the form of a wall (24) extending substantially perpendicularly to the support (20) and comprising a snap-on lug (244) of the BMS against the wall (24) and / or a guide rail (248) of a pin (249) of the BMS against the wall (24). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the pre-positioning means included in the support (20) comprise holes and / or indentations (22) for pre-positioning the components. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly including, among the components pre-positioned on the support (20), a junction box (40) for transferring electrical energy to the electrical components of the vehicle, the junction box being connected to the electronic board (30). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the components pre-positioned on the support (20) also include a pressure sensor and / or an electronic or electromechanical relay-type switch and / or a current sensor (55). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the components pre-positioned on the support (20) also include a pyroelectric switch (50), configured to cut an electrical connection in the event of detection of a malfunction in the battery (1). Battery (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a sub-assembly in which the pre-positioning means included in the support (20) include a housing (28) for receiving the pyroelectric switch (50) and defining a gas evacuation cavity, the housing having a gas evacuation orifice (29) in a direction distinct from or even opposite to the electronic board (30). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the pre-positioning means included in the support (20) comprise at least one pre-positioning rod (26) of a component, preferably a threaded rod. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the support (20) has means for fixing in the battery case compartment. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a subassembly in which the support (20) is made of an electrically insulating material. Vehicle comprising a battery (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Assembly method (500) of a vehicle battery comprising a housing (10) having a first compartment (11) housing battery modules (110) and a second compartment (12), the method (500) comprising the following steps: assembly (510) of components on a support (20) in a de-energized environment so as to form an electronic subassembly (120) comprising components among which: - an electronic board (30) for the control of the battery modules (110), - a plurality of electrical cables (60) connected to one or more of the other components, the support being a pre-positioning support for each of the components configured to be brought, with the pre-positioned components, into the second compartment (12), insertion (520) and fixing of the support (20) in the second compartment (12) in a high-voltage environment; and connection (530) of the modules (110) and the electronic subassembly (120).
Citation Information
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