Battery for vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery for a vehicle comprising a housing which comprises: - a lower compartment accommodating a first group of battery modules, - an upper compartment accommodating a second group of battery modules and a system for controlling the battery modules, the upper compartment and the lower compartment being separated by a plate (5), referred to as the upper plate, carrying the second group of modules, the upper plate (5) having a through-opening (55) allowing an electrical connection element (6) to pass through it, the electrical connection element extending from the lower compartment to the upper compartment and being arranged to connect at least one module of the lower compartment and the control system.

Description

Vehicle battery

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle battery, in particular a battery comprising modules distributed over two stages.

[0002] A vehicle battery, particularly for an electric, hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle, generally comprises a casing housing multiple modules, each containing battery cells that provide electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. This energy powers electrical components, such as an electric motor, an internal combustion engine for starting, a battery control unit, electrical accessories, and / or components that maintain the stability of the electrical system under various vehicle operating conditions.

[0003] It is known to design batteries with cells arranged in two layers, particularly to achieve a high-energy, compact battery. For example, US patent 2023 / 115722 describes a battery with two superimposed compartments, each containing an upper and a lower module. These modules are connected in series by means of a connector passing through the lid of the lower compartment and the bottom wall of the upper compartment.

[0004] Generally, this type of battery configuration uses two cell control systems, one for the first stage and one for the second stage. However, using two control systems can be expensive and significantly increase the battery's weight, which is undesirable for a vehicle battery. Furthermore, two control systems can generate considerable heat, potentially impairing the battery cells' performance. A single control system for both stages is also known. However, this tends to be a complex solution, as it requires long, bulky cables that must be routed within a limited space.Moreover, since electrical assembly is often done manually by an operator, handling such cables in confined spaces is more complicated, especially when it comes to handling cables in a high-voltage battery environment, requiring a certain level of safety, for example the use of thick gloves.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to simplify the assembly of electrical elements in a battery in which the modules are distributed over two stages, while ensuring the safety of operators.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle battery comprising a housing which includes: - a first compartment housing a first group of battery modules, - a second compartment housing a second group of battery modules and a battery module control system, the second compartment and the first compartment being superimposed in a vertical direction and being separated by a plate, called a separation plate, carrying the first or the second group of modules, battery in which the separation plate has a through opening allowing the passage of an electrical connection element which extends from one of the compartments to the other compartment and the electrical connection element is arranged to connect at least one module of the first compartment and the control system.

[0007] The invention therefore proposes a plate separating two compartments stacked one above the other vertically, and which has at least one through-hole through which an electrical connection element extends. This electrical connection element thus creates a shortcut for connecting a module from the first compartment to the control system. Consequently, unlike prior art, this configuration eliminates the need for long cables to connect modules on a floor, for example, the lower floor, to the control system, for example, located on the upper floor. This results in less complex and safer electrical connections for the modules for operators.For example, during battery assembly, an operator can first assemble the first compartment, then assemble the control system in the second compartment, and finally, to connect the modules in the first compartment to the control system, they can simply use the shortcut created by the through-hole instead of handling long cables within the confined space of the battery casing. Such a shortcut is also advantageous during maintenance procedures, as it minimizes the operator's handling and the time spent handling long cables in a high-voltage battery environment.

[0008] It is understood that the battery comprises two stages. In one embodiment, the first compartment forms the lower stage and the second compartment forms the upper stage. In a second embodiment, the first compartment forms the upper stage while the second compartment forms the lower stage. It is also understood that the vertical direction generally corresponds to the direction of gravity in the battery's operating position, i.e., when the battery is installed in a vehicle. Preferably, the battery modules are each supported by a plate, whether it be the separating plate or another plate. This prevents the modules from being suspended and mounted upside down. Mounting the modules upside down ensures optimal chemical performance.

[0009] Preferably, the battery comprises a single module control system, namely the system located in the second compartment. Preferably, the control system includes a plurality of components for module management, such as an electronic board for module control (for example, a board called a BMS for "battery management system") and also electrical cables for connecting to the modules.

[0010] The battery may also include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination:

[0011] The second compartment is positioned above the first compartment. Preferably, the separating plate carries the second group of modules. In this embodiment, the second compartment houses the control system and thus forms the upper level. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the battery is accessible from its upper wall, for example, if it is located in the floor of a vehicle. Indeed, since the control system is located in the upper compartment, maintenance of this control system can be conveniently performed by simply removing the battery's upper cover.

[0012] Alternatively, the first compartment is positioned above the second compartment. Preferably, the separating plate supports the first group of modules. In this embodiment, the second compartment houses the control system and thus forms the lower level. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the battery is accessible from its lower wall, for example, if it is located in the ceiling of a vehicle. Since the control system is located in the lower compartment, maintenance of this control system can be conveniently performed by removing a lower section of the battery.

[0013] The electrical connection element is fixed to a lower plate, extending from the lower plate to the separating plate and through the opening. Thus, if the second compartment is positioned above the first compartment, a lower plate of the first compartment supports the electrical connection element and the first group of modules, extending towards the second compartment. Conversely, if the first compartment is positioned above the second compartment, a lower plate of the second compartment supports the electrical connection element, the second group of modules, and the control system, extending towards the first compartment. In both cases, the electrical connection element forms a kind of loop that allows for the shortening of the electrical cable(s) running between the module in the first compartment and the control system.Such a tower allows cables to be guided from one compartment to the other, thus defining a sufficient cable length to establish the connection between, for example, a module in the first compartment and the control system. This makes battery installation easier for an operator, unlike prior art where long and / or bulky cables had to be handled to establish the connection between a module in the first compartment and the control system. Furthermore, by fixing the connection element to the bottom plate, the tower is provided with a stable mounting base and extends the full height of the compartment below it, i.e., the entire distance between the bottom plate and the divider plate, thus giving it rigidity.In addition, this fixing on the lower plate allows the connection element to be as close as possible to modules carried by the lower plate, which reduces wiring.

[0014] Preferably, the electrical connection element is fixed by screwing it onto the lower plate. More specifically, the electrical connection element has a hole into which a threaded stud carried by the lower plate is inserted, the stud being fixed in the hole by means of a nut attached to the electrical connection element.

[0015] – The electrical connection element includes a housing receiving a connector suitable for connecting together an electrical cable connected to a module of the first compartment and an electrical cable connected to the control system.

[0016] The term "electrical cable" encompasses both low-voltage and high-voltage connections. A "high-voltage cable" is designed to carry high voltage levels, such as voltages above 60V. These cables are typically in the form of a strip, such as a busbar. A "low-voltage cable" is designed to carry relatively low voltage levels, lower than those of high-voltage cables, such as voltages below 60V. These cables are typically made up of small-gauge wires, such as single wires, pairs, or bundles of wires.

[0017] Preferably, the connector is snapped into the housing. Preferably also, the housing includes a guide rail for the connector allowing it to be slid into place, for example from the top of the electrical connection element.

[0018] – The housing for the connector is located in an upper part of the electrical connection element, this part being arranged in the compartment, between the first compartment and the second compartment, which is above the other, this part protruding from the opening.

[0019] Thus, the electrical connection element allows the connection of the lower-stage module to be moved to the upper stage, for example, from the first compartment to the second compartment, bringing it closer to the control system and / or an area accessible to an operator, for example, during battery installation or maintenance procedures. Therefore, if the second compartment is above the first, during battery electronics installation or repair, the connection for the lower-stage modules is directly accessible at the control system located in the upper stage and does not require any additional tools or steps to access the modules in the first compartment, i.e., the lower stage.

[0020] – The electrical connection element is arranged to connect at least two modules of the first compartment to the control system.

[0021] Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a through-hole and an electrical connection element for each module placed in the first compartment. Furthermore, if a connector is present in the electrical connection element, it is possible to relocate the electrical connection for at least two modules, simplifying battery assembly and reducing the number of parts required.

[0022] – The electrical connection element has a trapezoidal shape with a wider lower base, fixed to a lower plate, and an opposite, narrower apex, arranged in the compartment which, between the first compartment and the second compartment, is above the other.

[0023] Thanks to its trapezoidal shape, only a small opening is required for the top of the electrical connection element, increasing the available area on the partition plate for receiving modules and / or the control system. Furthermore, the wider base facilitates seating the electrical connection element on the bottom plate. The trapezoidal shape also simplifies battery assembly. Preferably, if the electrical connection element has a connector, the top of the trapezoidal shape should house the connector.

[0024] – The electrical connection element includes, in addition to an electrical connection between the module of the first compartment and the control system, at least one so-called “busbar” extending through the opening to connect a module of the first compartment to a module of the second compartment.

[0025] Thus, the through-hole allows not only an electrical connection between a module in the first compartment and the control system, but also an electrical connection between the modules in the first compartment and the modules in the second compartment, particularly to facilitate connecting the modules in series to increase the battery voltage. It is understood that this "busbar" allows modules to be connected to each other and not to be connected to the control system.

[0026] – The separation plate carries the second group of modules and the control system, or the separation plate carries the first group of modules, and this separation plate is a cooling plate, including a channel for the flow of a cooling fluid.

[0027] The through-hole is formed in this cooling plate. This plate therefore offers a dual advantage: firstly, it allows for the cooling of the battery components, and secondly, it facilitates the installation of electrical connections within the battery. Advantageously, in addition to the separating plate, the lower plate, which supports the module group arranged in the lower compartment, also serves as a cooling plate.

[0028] The second compartment is positioned above the first compartment, and the separating plate includes a first area for receiving the second group of modules and a second area for receiving the control system. The through-opening is formed between the two areas, preferably in the second area of ​​the separating plate. Alternatively, the first compartment is positioned above the second compartment, and the second compartment includes a lower plate with a first area for receiving the second group of modules and a second area for receiving the control system. The electrical connection element is fixed between the two areas, preferably in the second area of ​​the lower plate.

[0029] By providing two distinct zones, the electronics can be separated from the module control system, thus preventing hot gases from the modules from damaging the control system. The terms "formed between the two zones" or "fixed between the two zones" mean that the opening or connecting element is located at the junction of the two zones or within at least one of them, in the immediate vicinity of the other zone. Positioning the opening or connecting element between these two zones, preferably on the side of the control system receiving zone, allows for some additional space to facilitate temperature regulation of the management system components, while simultaneously moving the module connections from the first compartment closer to the control system. Preferably, the two zones are delimited by a lip projecting from the separation plate or the bottom plate.

[0030] – The through opening made in the separation plate is a closed contour opening.

[0031] This allows the electrical connection of the modules to be moved to an interior area of ​​the separation plate, rather than to the edges of the separation plate, which allows the electrical wiring to be shortened or its location to be reduced on the separation plate or the lower plate carrying the second group of modules.

[0032] – The electrical connection element is a plastic part, preferably injection molded.

[0033] By using a plastic part, production costs are reduced, and the weight of the battery is not greatly affected.

[0034] – The electrical connection element includes attachment elements for an electrical cable, for example for attaching an electrical cable connected to the module of the first compartment and / or an electrical cable connected to the control system.

[0035] Thus, not only can the electrical connection element receive a connector linking two cables together, as seen above, but alternatively or in combination, it can include cable attachment elements, allowing the cable to be attached to the electrical connection element, thereby securing and positioning it. For example, the attachment element is a hook or clip shape into which the electrical cable is inserted, or a groove or notch into which the cable is pinched.

[0036] – The first group of modules comprises four modules and the second group of modules comprises four modules. Preferably, each module delivers a voltage of 48V (volts), so that the battery, thanks to the eight modules in series, delivers a voltage of approximately 400V.

[0037] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a battery as described 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. Brief description of the figures

[0038] 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:

[0039] is a perspective view of the interior of a first embodiment of a battery according to the invention.

[0040] is an exploded view of part of the battery.

[0041] is a set of views (figures 3a and 3b) of the battery case frame, isolated from other elements, with a top view and a bottom view.

[0042] is a set of views (figures 4a, 4b and 4c) whereby figure 4a is a side view of the interior of the first compartment of the battery, figure 4b is an enlarged representation of an electrical connection element of figure 4a, and figure 4c is a top view, from the second compartment, of the top of the electrical connection element of figure 4b.

[0043] is a top view, from the second compartment, of part of the battery, at a different angle than figure 4a.

[0044] is an exploded schematic view of a battery according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0045] is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view along the (X, Z) plane of the battery, according to the second embodiment of the invention, presented schematically. Detailed description

[0046] Figures 1 and 2 show a battery 1 according to a first embodiment, particularly suitable for a vehicle. More specifically, Figure 1 illustrates the battery 1 in an assembled form, without its cover so as to show its interior, and Figure 2 represents a portion of the battery in an exploded view to illustrate the assembly of a first compartment, which in this case is a lower compartment of the battery, and the battery casing. In the remainder of this document describing the first embodiment, the first compartment, corresponding in this embodiment to the lower level, is designated as the lower compartment. The second compartment, corresponding in this embodiment to the upper level, is designated as the upper compartment.Furthermore, the separating plate 5 between the upper and lower compartments is called the "upper plate," particularly because of its position in this first embodiment. Some elements have been omitted to simplify the representation.

[0047] Battery 1 includes a housing 10 forming a receiving compartment for a plurality of battery modules 21, 31.

[0048] In particular, modules 21 and 31 are distributed over two levels: a lower level visible on the left and an upper level visible on the right. More precisely, the housing 10 comprises a lower compartment 2 housing a first group of modules 21 and an upper compartment 3 housing a second group of modules 31. Preferably, the lower compartment 2 and upper compartment 3 are stacked one above the other in a vertical direction Z.

[0049] In the example presented here, which will be described in more detail below, battery 1 comprises eight battery modules 21, 31, arranged in four modules 21 in the lower compartment 2 and four modules 31 in the upper compartment 3. Advantageously, each module 21, 31 is capable of supplying 48V (volts) of energy, by stacking prismatic battery cells, so that the total voltage of battery 1 reaches approximately 400V when the modules are connected in series. Of course, the invention is not limited to this example; it is possible to use different numbers of modules depending on the desired voltage.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the upper compartment 3 is also configured to house a control system 32 for managing the modules, which includes all or part of the battery electronics. Specifically, the upper compartment 3 comprises a first zone 310 for receiving the second group of modules 31, and a second zone 320 dedicated to receiving the control system 32. This control system 32 includes a management system for the modules 21 and 31, more precisely BMSs (Battery Management Systems) which are configured to control the operation of the modules 21 and 31, notably with a master BMS 321 which controls slave BMSs 322. Preferably, one slave BMS 322 is provided for each module 21 and 31; therefore, the example shown in Figure 1 includes eight slave BMSs 322.Furthermore, the control system 32 includes a junction box 33, configured to provide a connection interface between the vehicle's electrical components and the battery cells. More specifically, the junction box 33 provides an interface between the electrical components and the master BMS 321. The control system 32 also performs a number of other functions not detailed here.

[0051] With reference to the, the housing 10 includes a frame 11 having an upper outer wall 12 and a lower outer wall 13, which respectively delimit the upper compartment 3 and the lower compartment 2. In particular, the first group of modules 21 is mounted on a plate, called the lower plate 4. The frame 11 is intended to be mounted on this lower plate 4, as illustrated by the arrows, to enclose the first group of modules 21.

[0052] Furthermore, the frame 11 carries a plate, referred to as the top plate 5, on which the second group of modules 31 and the control system 32 are mounted. Advantageously, the top plate 5 includes a lip 51 projecting from the top plate 5 so as to delimit the first 310 and second 320 zones, and thus delimit the space occupied by the second group of modules 31 and the control system 32. Preferably, this lip 51 corresponds to a fixing lip for the modules 31. The top plate 5 is arranged to separate the upper compartment 3 from the lower compartment 2.

[0053] The top plate 5 is visible in Figure 3a. This Figure 3a represents the frame 11 of the housing 10 of battery 1. Here, modules 21, 31 and the control system 32 have been omitted to improve the visibility of the top plate 5. Figure 3b is a view from below of the frame 11 of Figure 3a.

[0054] Advantageously, the upper plate 5 is a cooling plate. This upper plate 5 includes a cooling channel 52, advantageously formed as a serpentine or branching, for the passage of a cooling fluid. Further advantageously, the lower plate 4 is also a cooling plate, including in particular a channel for the passage of the cooling fluid.

[0055] In Figure 3a, the upper plate 5 has two through-holes 55. The invention is not limited to two openings 55; the upper plate 5 has at least one opening 55, and it may have more than two. Preferably, the openings 55 are formed near the junction between the two zones 310 and 320. Again, preferably, and as shown in Figure 3a, the openings 55 are formed in the second zone 320 of the upper compartment 3. The following description focuses on a single opening 55 for the sake of clarity; however, the features presented apply to both openings 55. As can be seen in the figures, the through-hole 55 is a closed-contour opening; it is formed within the plate 5 and not at its periphery. This is a way to further shorten the electrical cables.

[0056] The opening 55 allows the passage of an electrical connection element 6, which is shown in Figures 4a to 4c. The electrical connection element 6 extends from the lower compartment 2 to the upper compartment 3. In particular, the electrical connection element 6 is arranged to connect at least one module 21 of the lower compartment 2 and the control system 32. This arrangement is further described in the following paragraphs.

[0057] Referring to Figures 4a to 4c, the electrical connection element 6 has a trapezoidal shape. Of course, it is possible to have an electrical connection element 6 in a shape other than the one described here. The electrical connection element 6 is fixed to the lower plate 4, for example, by screwing. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the electrical connection element 6 includes positioning holes 61, into which a threaded stud 611 can be inserted. Preferably, the stud 611 is secured in the hole 61 by means of a nut 612 attached to the electrical connection element 6.

[0058] Furthermore, the electrical connection element 6 extends from the lower compartment 2 to the upper compartment 3 through the opening 55, as seen in Figure 4c.

[0059] In particular, in the case where the electrical connection element 6 has a trapezoidal shape, the electrical connection element 6 comprises a lower base 63, wider, fixed in the lower compartment 2 and a top 65, opposite less wide, disposed in the upper compartment 3. Thus the electrical connection element 6, more precisely the base 63, is fixed on the lower plate 4 and the top 65 passes through one of the openings 55 and protrudes from this opening 55 to be arranged in the upper compartment 3.

[0060] Preferably, the top 65 has a housing 67 configured to receive a connector 7, preferably by snap-fitting. Advantageously, the housing 67 includes a guide rail for the connector 7 to allow the connector 7 to be slid into place from the top 65. Alternatively, the position of the connector 7 in the housing 67 can be fixed by screwing.

[0061] Connector 7 is advantageously configured to establish the electrical connection between a module 21 in the lower compartment 2 and the control system 32. In particular, connector 7 allows for the connection of an electrical cable 82 connected to a module 21 in the lower compartment 2 and an electrical cable 84 connected to the control system 32. Indeed, connector 7 has two opposing ends, lower and upper respectively. The lower end has a lower port 72 connected to the electrical cable 82 from the module 21 in the lower compartment 2, and the upper end has an upper port 74 for connecting the cable 84 to the control system 32. Thus, connector 7 enables the electrical connection between the module 21 in the lower compartment 2 and the control system 32, which is located in the upper compartment 3.Advantageously, this connection is shortened by the through opening 55, which allows the passage of the electrical connection element 6. As shown in Figure 4c, the top 65 opens into the upper compartment 3 so that the connector 7 is positioned in the upper compartment 3. Thus, the connection of the lower module 21 is moved from the lower compartment 2 to the upper compartment 3, bringing the connection as close as possible to the control system 32. Consequently, during battery 1 installation or maintenance procedures, the operator's work is simplified. For example, during installation, the operator will have already mounted the modules 21 in the lower compartment 2, and when the upper compartment 3 needs to be installed, unlike in the prior art, it is not necessary to select specific cables in advance or use additional tools to bring the cables closer together.Thanks to the invention, it is only necessary for him to mount the upper compartment 3 and connect the cable 84 connected to the control system 32 to the upper port 74 of the connector 7 to establish the connection between the control system 32 and the module 21 of the lower compartment 2. In addition to the connector 7, the electrical connection element 6 may include attachment elements for one or more electrical cables, for example in the form of a groove at the location 62 of the electrical connection element 6 (figure 4a), allowing the cable to be fixed by pinching.

[0062] Furthermore, the electrical connection element 6 is arranged to connect at least two modules 21 from the lower compartment 2 to the control system 32. For a battery 1 such as that shown in the figure, i.e., comprising four modules 21 in the lower compartment 2 and four modules 31 in the upper compartment 3, the electrical connection element 6 with two connectors 7 is even more advantageous, as it requires fewer through-holes 55, particularly in the cooling plate. In this case, the electrical connection element 6 has two opposite faces, each bearing a connector 7 to allow the connection between at least two modules 21 from the lower compartment 2 and the control system 32. Of course, it is possible to consider a single connector 7 with multiple ports to allow the connection of several modules 21 to the connection system 32.

[0063] Advantageously, the electrical connection element 6 described above is a plastic part, preferably injection-molded. This makes it easy to provide an electrical connection element 6 with a desired shape, reduces production costs, and does not significantly affect the battery weight.

[0064] This is a "bird's-eye" view, that is, a view from above the battery, specifically from above the through-hole 55, with the angle offset to show the modules 21 of the lower compartment 2. In this view, the battery 1 includes a busbar 86 that extends through the opening 55 to connect a module 31 of the upper compartment 3 to a module 21 of the lower compartment 2. The through-hole 55 therefore also allows the modules 31 of the upper compartment 3 to be connected to the modules 21 of the lower compartment 2, particularly for connecting modules 21 and 31 in series. Consequently, the electrical connection between modules 21 and 31 is also shortened.

[0065] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 represents a battery 1 comprising a first compartment 2 and a second compartment 3 superimposed one above the other in a vertical direction.

[0066] The first compartment 2 of this second embodiment forms the upper stage, while the second compartment 3 forms the lower stage. More specifically, as in the first embodiment, the battery 1 includes a housing 10 forming a housing for a plurality of battery modules 21, 31. The housing 10 includes a frame having an upper external side wall 12 and a lower external side wall 13, which respectively delimit the first compartment 2 and the second compartment 3. The first compartment 2, forming the upper stage, includes a first group of modules 21, while the second compartment 3, forming the lower stage, includes a second group of modules 31 and the control system 32. The housing 10 also includes an upper cover 14, attached to the top of the upper compartment 2, here the first compartment.

[0067] The first compartments 2 and 3 are separated by a separating plate 5. Advantageously, as in the first embodiment, this separating plate 5 is also a cooling plate comprising a channel for the flow of a cooling fluid. Note that in this second embodiment, the separating plate carries the first group of modules 21, unlike the first embodiment in which the separating plate carries the second group of modules. This separating plate 5 has a through opening 55, more precisely here two openings 55, allowing the passage of an electrical connection element 6 which extends from the second compartment 3 to the first compartment 2. The connection element 6 is arranged to connect at least one module 21 of the first compartment 2 and the control system 32.

[0068] In particular, the electrical connection element 6 is fixed to a plate of the second compartment 3, called the lower plate 4', advantageously carrying both the second group of modules 31 and the control system 32. The connection element 6 extends from the second compartment 3 to the first compartment 2 through the opening 55.

[0069] According to one example, the electrical connection element 6, as in the first embodiment, has a housing for a connector adapted to connect together an electrical cable connected to a module 21 of the first compartment 2 and an electrical cable connected to the control system 32. Such a housing can be similar to the housing 67 shown in Figure 4b and be located in an upper part of the connection element 6. It should be noted that, unlike the first embodiment, in this second embodiment, this upper part is arranged in the first compartment 2, protruding from the opening 55. However, other configurations of the connection element can be considered, particularly configurations allowing maintenance of the battery when it is fixed in a vehicle ceiling, for example by removing the lower compartment 3.

[0070] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the connection element 6 is arranged to connect at least two modules 21 of the first compartment 2 to the control system 32.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that this connecting element 6 can also have a trapezoidal shape with a wider lower base and a narrower opposite apex. In particular, in this second embodiment, the lower base is fixed in the second compartment 3 forming the lower level, and the apex is located in the first compartment 2 forming the upper level. More precisely, the lower base is fixed to the lower plate 4' of the second compartment 3.

[0072] It is also possible to provide a so-called "busbar" extending through the opening 55 to connect a module of the first compartment 2 to a module of the second compartment 3, in particular for the purpose of connecting in series the modules of the upper floor to the modules of the lower floor.

[0073] As can be seen in the figure, the lower plate 4' includes a first zone 310 dedicated for receiving the second group of modules 31, and a second zone 320 dedicated for receiving the control system 32. In this second embodiment, the electrical connection element 6 is arranged between the two zones, preferably in the second zone 320 of this lower plate 4'.

[0074] Figure 1 schematically represents battery 1, according to an exploded view. This second embodiment is particularly suitable for mounting in the ceiling of a vehicle. To this end, the housing frame may include retaining or fastening means for securing the battery to the vehicle ceiling. Advantageously, removable fastening means for the lower, second compartment 3 can be provided to the rest of battery 1, for example, to the separating plate 5. Thus, if repair or maintenance of the control system 32 is required, only the lower compartment 3 can be removed from inside the vehicle by disconnecting the modules 21 from the first compartment 2 at the connection element 6. This battery configuration therefore allows improved accessibility to the control system or modules for maintenance.

[0075] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, and other embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, it is possible to omit the connector mounted on the electrical connection element and instead provide a suitable housing for the passage of an electrical cable connecting at least one module of the lower compartment to the control system. List of references

[0076] 1: Battery 2: First compartment 3: Second compartment 4: Bottom plate 5: Separating plate 6: Electrical connection element 7: Connector 10: Housing 11: Housing frame 12: Upper outer wall 13: Lower outer wall

[0077] 14: cover 21: first group of modules 31: second group of modules 32: control system 51: rim 52: cooling channel 55: through opening 61: positioning holes 62: location

[0078] 63: base 65: top 67: housing 72: lower port 74: upper port 82: electrical cable connected to a module 21 of the lower compartment 284: electrical cable connected to the control system 3286: busbar 310: first area for receiving the second group of modules 31320: second area dedicated to the control system 32321: master BMS 322: slave BMS 611: threaded stud 612: nut.

Claims

Battery (1) for a vehicle comprising a housing (10) which includes: - a first compartment (2) housing a first group of battery modules (21), - a second compartment (3) housing a second group of battery modules (31) and a battery module control system (32), the second compartment (3) and the first compartment (2) being superimposed in a vertical direction (Z) and being separated by a plate (5), called the separation plate, carrying the first (21) or the second (31) group of modules, the battery being characterized in that the separation plate (5) has a through opening (55) allowing the passage of an electrical connection element (6) which extends from one of the compartments (2, 3) to the other compartment (2, 3), and the connection element (6) is arranged to connect at least one module (21) of the first compartment (2) and the control system (32). Battery (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second compartment (3) is arranged above the first compartment (2), and preferably the separating plate (5) carries the second group of modules (31). Battery according to claim 1, in which the first compartment (2) is arranged above the second compartment (3), and preferably the separating plate (5) carries the first group of modules (21). Battery according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) is fixed on a lower plate (4, 4'), the electrical connection element (6) extending from the lower plate (4, 4') to the separating plate (5) and passing through the opening (55). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) has a housing (67) receiving a connector (7) adapted to connect together an electrical cable (82) connected to a module (21) of the first compartment (2) and an electrical cable (84) connected to the control system (32). Battery (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (67) for the connector (7) is located in an upper part of the electrical connection element (6), this part being arranged in the compartment (2, 3), between the first compartment and the second compartment, which is located above the other, this part protruding from the opening (55). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) is arranged to connect at least two modules (21) of the first compartment (2) to the control system (32). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) has a trapezoidal shape with a wider lower base (63), fixed on a lower plate (4, 4'), and an opposite, less wide top (65), disposed in the compartment (2, 3) which, between the first compartment and the second compartment, is above the other. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) comprises, in addition to an electrical connection between the module (21) of the first compartment (2) and the control system (32), at least one so-called "busbar" (86) extending through the opening (55) to connect a module (21) of the first compartment (2) to a module (31) of the second compartment (3). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation plate (5) carries the second group of modules (31) and the control system (32), or the separation plate (5) carries the first group of modules (21), and this separation plate (5) is a cooling plate, comprising a channel (52) for the flow of a cooling fluid. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second compartment (3) is arranged above the first compartment (2) and the separation plate (5) comprises a first zone (310) dedicated for receiving the second group of modules (31), and a second zone (320) dedicated for receiving the control system (32), the through opening (55) being formed between the two zones, preferably in the second zone (320) of the separation plate (5). Battery (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first compartment (2) is arranged above the second compartment (3) and the second compartment (3) comprises a lower plate (4') comprising a first zone (310) dedicated for receiving the second group of modules (31) and a second zone (320) dedicated for receiving the control system (32), the electrical connection element (6) being fixed between the two zones, preferably in the second zone (320) of the lower plate (4'). Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through opening (55) made in the separating plate (5) is a closed contour opening. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) is a plastic part, preferably injection molded. Battery according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connection element (6) comprises attachment elements for an electrical cable. Battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first group of modules (21) comprises four modules and the second group of modules (31) comprises four modules. Vehicle comprising a battery (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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