Support structure for a motor vehicle battery assembly comprising a tray and a cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure which comprises a tray (30) and a cover (32) that is configured to be arranged on the tray (30) so as to define a housing (24) for receiving battery elements (20), the tray (30) being formed of a plate (72, 74) or a plurality of stacked plates, the tray (30) having a central region (40) located under the cover (32) and two side regions (42) projecting laterally outwards relative to side walls (38) of the cover (32), each side region (42) of the tray (30) having transverse ribs (76) extending transversely and / or longitudinal ribs (76L) extending longitudinally and / or stiffening cases (78) extending transversely and / or stiffening cases (78) extending longitudinally.

Description

[0001] Support structure for an automotive battery assembly including a tray and a cover

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of automotive vehicle battery assemblies, and in particular a support structure for an automotive vehicle battery assembly.

[0003] An electric or hybrid motor vehicle has a battery pack (or battery block or "battery pack" in reference to the English terminology "battery pack"), comprising a battery and a support structure defining a housing for receiving the battery and configured to fix the battery pack to the motor vehicle.

[0004] The battery comprises a plurality of battery elements (or "battery cells" or "battery accumulators") supported by the support structure. Each battery element is a device designed to store electrical energy and then release that electrical energy.

[0005] Several battery elements can be grouped together to form a battery module, i.e. a group of several battery elements attached together so that they can be handled as a single unit.

[0006] The battery may be equipped with a cooling system configured for cooling the battery cells. The cooling system may include one or more heat exchangers in thermal contact with the battery cells, or, where applicable, the battery module(s).

[0007] The electrical energy stored and released by the battery provides electricity to the electrical components of the motor vehicle, in particular one or more electric drive motors of the electric vehicle.

[0008] A battery has a significant weight. In order to lower the center of gravity of a motor vehicle equipped with a battery, the battery support structure is, for example, configured to secure the battery under the floor of the motor vehicle.

[0009] The space available under the vehicle floor is limited. This space is also exposed during vehicle movement, particularly to impacts from objects passing underneath. It is advisable that the support structure protect the battery from such impacts. The battery mounted under the vehicle floor can also be exposed in the event of a collision. The battery must be protected to prevent damage in the event of a collision.

[0010] It is possible to provide a support structure comprising a tray receiving the battery elements, the tray having a bottom and a peripheral wall extending upwards from the bottom, and a flat cover fixed to an upper edge of the peripheral wall of the tray to close the tray, and a protective tray added under the tray to protect it from impacts of objects passing under the vehicle.

[0011] However, such a support structure is heavy and bulky.

[0012] It is desirable to have a support structure that effectively protects the battery elements, while limiting the size and weight of the battery assembly.

[0013] One of the aims of the invention is to provide a support structure for an automotive vehicle battery assembly that can receive battery elements while forming a compact, lightweight and strong assembly.

[0014] To this end, the invention proposes a support structure for an assembly of motor vehicle batteries comprising battery elements supported by the support structure, the support structure comprising a tray and a cover configured to be disposed on the tray so as to define a housing for receiving the battery elements between the tray and the cover, the cover having an upper wall and a peripheral wall extending downwards from the upper wall, the peripheral wall having two lateral walls extending longitudinally and delimiting the housing transversely between them, the tray being formed of one or more superimposed plates, the tray having a central region located under the cover and two lateral regions extending laterally outwards relative to the lateral walls of the cover,each lateral region of the platform having transversely elongated transverse ribs and / or longitudinally elongated longitudinal ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes.

[0015] The central region of the tray located under the cover helps to protect the battery elements from impacts from objects passing under the vehicle.

[0016] Each lateral region of the tray that extends laterally beyond a side wall of the cover forms an energy absorption zone for the tray, particularly in the event of a side impact on the vehicle. Indeed, an object impacting the vehicle laterally on the side of the lateral region encounters this lateral region before reaching the adjacent side wall of the cover, and the lateral region deforms, absorbing at least part of the impact energy before the object can reach the side wall of the cover.

[0017] The presence of transverse ribs and / or longitudinal ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes and / or transversely longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes in each lateral region of the tray increases the resistance to deformation of the lateral region and thus dissipates much of the impact energy before the object can reach the side wall of the lid.

[0018] Transverse ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes are particularly effective in the event of a side impact suffered by the vehicle.

[0019] Longitudinal ribs and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes are particularly effective in the event of an impact suffered by the vehicle along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0020] The plate formed by the protective plate(s) thus provides protection under and on the sides of the housing, which allows for effective protection, in particular against the penetration of objects into the housing in the event of a shock to the vehicle, while preserving the compactness and lightness of the support structure, and those of the battery assembly formed by the battery and its support structure.

[0021] The cover, having a peripheral wall laterally delimiting the housing and closed by the tray, which is preferably fixed on a lower edge of the peripheral wall, allows easy access to the battery elements, simply by removing the tray, without it being necessary to remove the cover from the vehicle chassis.

[0022] In the examples of implementation, the support structure includes one or more of the following optional features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0023] - the lid is made of metal, in particular steel or aluminium, preferably stainless steel;

[0024] - the upper wall and the peripheral wall of the lid are made from a single piece of material;

[0025] - the cover is made by molding or shaping a sheet of material, the shaping including for example stamping and / or bending and / or profiling and / or hydroforming of the sheet of material; - each plate is made of metal, plastic material or composite material comprising a matrix reinforced by reinforcing elements, for example reinforcing fibers;

[0026] - at least one of the plate(s) is made of steel, in particular stainless steel or coated steel, or aluminum;

[0027] - the central region of the platform includes transverse ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes and / or longitudinal ribs and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes.

[0028] - the platform includes longitudinal ribs and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes in a front area of ​​the central region adjacent to a front transverse edge of the platform and / or in a rear area of ​​the central region to a front transverse edge of the platform;

[0029] - the cover covers the front area and / or the rear area;

[0030] - each stiffening box is defined between two superimposed plates of the platform;

[0031] - the support structure is configured for attaching the battery elements to the cover, in particular to the upper wall of the cover;

[0032] - the support structure is configured for screwing the battery elements below the cover, in particular on the upper wall of the cover;

[0033] - the support structure includes external reinforcement elements arranged on the side walls of the lid to reinforce the side walls;

[0034] - the support structure includes internal reinforcement elements arranged inside the cover, in particular along the peripheral wall and / or at the junction between the upper wall and the peripheral wall;

[0035] - the support structure includes one or more reinforcing crossbeams, each reinforcing crossbeam being arranged inside the cover extending transversely between the side walls of the cover;

[0036] - the support structure includes a cooling system for cooling the battery elements, the cooling system comprising cooling plates arranged under the upper wall of the cover, so as to be applied to the battery elements covered by the cover.

[0037] The invention also relates to a battery pack comprising a support structure as defined above and battery cells housed in the compartment between the tray and the cover. The invention further relates to an assembly comprising two chassis rails of a vehicle and a support structure as defined above, the cover being inserted between the two rails.

[0038] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a chassis having two longitudinal members and a support structure as defined above or a battery pack as defined above, the cover being inserted between the two longitudinal members.

[0039] According to examples of vehicle embodiments, the cover is fixed under the chassis of the motor vehicle, the tray being fixed under the chassis of the motor vehicle in a removable manner so that the tray can be removed and the battery elements extracted from the support structure, preferably without removing the cover from the chassis.

[0040] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0041] - Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack installed under the chassis of a motor vehicle;

[0042] - Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view of a support structure for the battery assembly in Figure 1;

[0043] - Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the support structure of the battery assembly in Figure 1;

[0044] - Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cover of the support structure of the battery assembly in Figure 1;

[0045] - Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a tray of the support structure of the battery assembly in Figure 1;

[0046] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first plate of the tray;

[0047] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second plate of the tray;

[0048] - Figure 8 is a cross-section illustrating a detail of the battery assembly;

[0049] - Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery assembly;

[0050] - Figure 10 is a cross-section illustrating the battery element attachment of the battery assembly.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 1, a motor vehicle 10 is equipped with a battery pack or battery assembly 12 fixed under a floor 14 of a chassis 16 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0052] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "horizontal", "vertical", "top" and "bottom" are used with reference to the usual orthogonal coordinate system of motor vehicles comprising a longitudinal axis X directed horizontally from back to front, a transverse axis Y directed horizontally from right to left and a vertical axis Z directed from bottom to top.

[0053] The chassis 16 comprises two longitudinal members 18 spaced transversely apart. The two longitudinal members 18 define the lateral limits of the lower part of the chassis 16 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0054] The floor 14 extends transversely between the two longitudinal members 18. The passenger compartment (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10 is located above the floor 14.

[0055] The battery assembly 12 comprises battery elements 20 supported by a support structure 22 defining a housing 24 for receiving the battery elements 20.

[0056] Each battery element 20 (or "battery cell" or "battery accumulator") is designed to store electrical energy and release the stored electrical energy.

[0057] Each battery cell 20 is, for example, an electrochemical battery cell, i.e., capable of storing received electrical energy in the form of chemical energy and then releasing electrical energy from chemical energy.

[0058] Each 20-set battery element, for example, a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch battery cell (from the English "pouch battery cell," referring to a flat, flexible, pouch-shaped battery cell).

[0059] The battery elements 20 are for example grouped into battery modules 26, each battery module 26 grouping several battery elements 20 attached together and preferably electrically connected to each other.

[0060] The battery modules 26 are for example arranged in the housing 24 in a plurality of rows distributed longitudinally in the housing 24. Each row comprises for example two battery modules 26. A row of battery modules 26 is visible in Figure 1.

[0061] Alternatively, the battery modules 26 are arranged in a plurality of rows distributed transversely in the housing 24.

[0062] The support structure 22 includes a tray 30 and a cover 32 configured to be arranged on the tray 30 so as to define the housing 24 for receiving the battery elements 20 between the tray 30 and the cover 32.

[0063] The cover 32 has an upper wall 34 and a peripheral wall 36 extending downwards from the upper wall 34, more particularly from the periphery of the upper wall 34. The upper wall 34 defines the upper limit of the housing 24 when the cover 32 is placed on the tray 30. The peripheral wall 36 surrounds the housing 24. The peripheral wall 36 has a lower edge 36A.

[0064] The housing 24 is defined vertically between the tray 30 and the cover 32, in particular between the upper wall 34 of the cover and the tray 30. The housing 24 is delimited laterally by the cover 32, in particular by the peripheral wall of the cover 32.

[0065] The cover 32 is bell-shaped or inverted. The cover 32 is configured to cover the battery cells 20 received in the compartment 24, which are protected on top by the upper wall 34 and laterally by the peripheral wall 36.

[0066] The peripheral wall 36 has two lateral walls 38 extending longitudinally and delimiting the housing 24 transversely between them.

[0067] The tray 30 has a central region 40 located under the cover 32 and two lateral regions 42 extending laterally outwards from the lateral walls 38 of the cover 32.

[0068] Each lateral region 42 has, for example, a width L equal to or greater than 30 mm, in particular equal to or greater than 40 mm, for example equal to or greater than 41 mm.

[0069] The width L of each lateral region 42 is taken between the lower edge of the adjacent lateral wall 38 and a lateral edge 44 of the tray 30.

[0070] The tray 30 and the cover 32 are fixed to each other, preferably in a removable manner, for example by screwing, for example using tray fixing screws 46. The tray 30 is for example fixed to the lower edge 36A of the peripheral wall 36.

[0071] Removing tray 30 allows access to compartment 24 from below, for example to access battery elements 20 received in compartment 24.

[0072] The housing 24 can be opened only by removing the tray 30 without having to dismantle the entire support structure 22 of the chassis 16 to access the housing 24.

[0073] The tray 30 is, for example, fixed to the chassis 16, preferably in a removable manner, for example by screwing. The tray 30 is, for example, fixed to the chassis 16 by means of its lateral regions 42, each lateral region 42 being preferably fixed under a respective longitudinal member 18. The battery assembly 12 is fixed under the chassis 16 by fixing the lateral regions 42 of the tray 30 under the longitudinal members 18, the cover 32 being received between the longitudinal members 18.

[0074] The battery elements 20 are for example fixed to the cover 32 preferably in a removable manner, for example by screwing, in particular using battery screw / nut assemblies 48.

[0075] The battery elements 20 are for example fixed and in particular screwed onto the upper wall 34 of the cover 32, in particular using the battery screw / nut assemblies 48.

[0076] The removable fixing of the battery elements 20 on the cover 32 allows the tray 30 to be removed to open access to the compartment 24 from below, while keeping the battery elements 20 retained in the compartment 24. This can be done without having to dismantle the entire support structure 22 from the chassis 16.

[0077] The battery elements 20 or the battery modules 326 are preferably fixed individually on the cover 32.

[0078] The battery cells 20 or the battery modules 26 can be removed individually. Unlike the case where the battery assembly 12 must be removed to open it and access compartment 24, there is no need to handle a heavy and bulky assembly.

[0079] As illustrated in Figure 1, when the battery elements 20 are grouped into battery modules 26, it is the battery modules 26 that are fixed to the cover 32, in particular to the upper wall 34, for example using the battery screw / nut assemblies 48.

[0080] Figures 2 and 3 represent the battery assembly 12 in assembled perspective and exploded perspective.

[0081] As can be seen in Figure 2, the lateral regions 42 of the tray 30 overhang laterally from the lateral walls 38 of the lid 32.

[0082] The peripheral wall 36 of the cover 32 has transverse walls 50 extending transversely between the lateral walls 38. The transverse walls 50 are located at the front end and the rear end of the cover 32. The peripheral wall 36 has the shape of a rectangular frame.

[0083] The cover 32 is preferably made in one piece of material shaped to form the upper wall 34 and the peripheral wall 36 including the side walls 38, and, preferably, the transverse walls 50. The cover 32 is for example made of metal, for example steel or aluminium, in particular stainless steel, or of plastic material, possibly reinforced, for example with natural or synthetic fibres, in particular carbon fibres, glass fibres or Kevlar fibres.

[0084] The cover 32 is for example molded, in particular by injection or compression, and / or produced by shaping a sheet, in particular by stamping and / or bending and / or profiling and / or hydroforming.

[0085] As can be seen in Figure 3, the battery assembly 12 preferably includes a cooling system 52 configured to cool the battery elements 20.

[0086] The cooling system 52 includes, for example, cooling plates or heat exchange plates 54 connected to a cooling circuit via conduits 56 for the circulation of a cooling fluid inside the heat exchange plates 54.

[0087] The heat exchange plates 54 are, for example, fixed under the upper wall 34 of the cover 32, for example by screwing. The heat exchange plates 54 fixed under the upper wall 34 are located above the battery elements 20 received in the housing 24.

[0088] The heat exchange plates 54 fixed under the upper wall 34 are interposed between the battery elements 20 received in the housing 24 and the upper wall 34 of the cover 32.

[0089] The heat exchange plates 54 fixed under the upper wall 34 are interposed between the battery elements 20 and the floor 14 of the vehicle 10, which allows the passenger compartment to be thermally insulated from the battery elements 20.

[0090] When the battery elements 20 are grouped into battery modules 26, the cooling system 52 includes, for example, a respective cooling plate above each battery module 26 or several cooling plates above each battery module 26.

[0091] As illustrated in Figure 3, the cooling system 52 includes a cooling plate above each battery module 26.

[0092] The battery set 12 optionally includes a platter reinforcement set 58 comprising one or more platter reinforcement elements 60, 62 fixed to the platter 30.

[0093] Each reinforcement element of plate 60, 62 is, for example, lengthened.

[0094] Each reinforcement element of the extended 60, 62 platform is, for example, arranged longitudinally or transversely on the 30 platform. Each reinforcement element of the extended 60, 62 platform has, for example, a profiled shape, with, for example, a U-shaped or L-shaped profile.

[0095] The platform reinforcement assembly 58 includes, for example, a longitudinal platform reinforcement element 60 arranged longitudinally, preferably in the middle of the platform 30. The longitudinal platform reinforcement element 60 has, for example, a profile with a U-shape.

[0096] The platform reinforcement assembly 58 includes, for example, transverse platform reinforcement elements 62 arranged transversely. Each transverse platform reinforcement element 62 has, for example, a U-shaped profile.

[0097] The platform reinforcement assembly 58 includes, for example, several transverse platform reinforcement elements 62 arranged on either side of a longitudinal platform reinforcement element 60 arranged in the middle of the platform 30.

[0098] Advantageously, the tray reinforcement elements 60, 62 are arranged so as to be able to receive between them the battery elements 20, in particular the battery modules 26 grouping the battery elements 20.

[0099] The platform reinforcement elements 58 make it possible to increase the resistance of the platform 30, in particular in the event of a side impact or frontal impact suffered by the vehicle.

[0100] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the battery assembly 12 advantageously includes a cover reinforcement assembly 64, comprising for example internal reinforcement elements arranged inside the cover 32 and / or external reinforcement elements arranged inside the cover 32.

[0101] The cover reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, one or more internal lateral reinforcement elements 66 arranged inside the cover 32 and along the side walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34.

[0102] The lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, two internal lateral reinforcement elements 66, each being elongated longitudinally and arranged along one of the two lateral walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34.

[0103] The lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, internal end reinforcement elements 68 arranged inside and along the transverse walls 50 of the peripheral wall 34.

[0104] The lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, two internal end reinforcement elements 68, each being extended transversely and arranged along one of the two transverse walls 50 of the peripheral wall 34. The lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, one or more reinforcement cross members 70, each reinforcement cross member 70 being arranged inside the lid 32 and extending transversely between the side walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34.

[0105] Each reinforcing crossbeam 70 is formed of one crossbeam section, two crossbeam sections or more than two crossbeam sections aligned along the transverse direction.

[0106] Each reinforcing cross member 70 is, for example, formed from a cross member section extending from one side wall 36 to the other or, as illustrated in Figure 3, from two cross member sections 70A aligned along the transverse direction. The two cross member sections of each reinforcing cross member 70 define, for example, a passage 71 between them, for example, for the ducts 56 of the cooling circuit.

[0107] The cover reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, along each of the side walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34, one or more external reinforcement elements 74 arranged outside the cover 32.

[0108] The lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, along each of the side walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34, several external lateral lid reinforcement elements 69.

[0109] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the lid reinforcement assembly 64 includes, for example, along each of the side walls 36 of the peripheral wall 34, four external reinforcement elements 74.

[0110] The reinforcing elements of the cover 32 make it possible to form a cover in a single piece of material, with a low thickness, for example between 0.3 mm and 3.0 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm, and then to reinforce it with reinforcing elements judiciously arranged according to the stresses experienced by the cover 32. This can result in a cover 32 that is easy to manufacture while having the required strength.

[0111] The protective panel 30 preferably extends along a horizontal plane, i.e. a plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y.

[0112] The protective plate 30 is designed to protect housing 24 against objects that could enter housing 24 from below and against the intrusion of objects laterally, in the event of a side impact suffered by the motor vehicle 2.

[0113] The plate 30 includes a plate 72, 74 or several plates 72, 74 superimposed, in particular two plates 72, 74 superimposed, namely a first plate 72 and a second plate 74. The first plate 72 and the second plate 74 are for example respectively a lower plate and an upper plate, the first plate 72 being located below the second plate 74.

[0114] Each plate 72, 74 is made of metal, plastic material or composite material comprising a matrix reinforced by reinforcing elements, for example reinforcing fibers.

[0115] Advantageously, at least one of the plates 72, 74 is made of steel, in particular stainless steel or coated steel, or aluminum.

[0116] The 30 plate is equipped with ribs and / or elongated stiffening boxes.

[0117] Each rib is formed in one of the plates 72, 74 of the plate 30. Each rib extends, for example, transversely or longitudinally. Two parallel ribs formed in the same plate 72, 74 define a hollow between them.

[0118] Each stiffening box is formed between two plates 72, 74 of the plate 30. Each stiffening box is defined by a chamber delimited between the two plates.

[0119] Each stiffening box is for example vertically delimited between a rib of the first plate 72 and a flat area of ​​the second plate 74, between a rib of the first plate 72 and a hollow delimited between two ribs of the second plate 74 or between a hollow delimited between two ribs of the first plate 72 and a rib of the second plate 74 or between a hollow delimited between two ribs of the first plate 72 and a hollow delimited between two ribs of the second plate 74 or between a hollow delimited between two ribs of the first plate 72 and a flat area of ​​the second plate 74 or between a rib of the first plate 72 and a rib of the second plate 74.

[0120] As can be seen in Figure 4, each lateral region 42 of the plate 30 is provided with transverse ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes.

[0121] The transverse ribs are provided in the first plate 72 and / or in the second plate 74.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first plate 72 has, in each lateral region 42, transverse ribs 76.

[0123] The second plate 74 is for example flat in each lateral region 42. Alternatively, the second plate 74 has transverse ribs in each lateral region 42. As illustrated in Figure 8, which shows a lateral region 42 in cross-section, each lateral region 42 of the plate 30 is preferably provided with transversely elongated lateral stiffening boxes 78.

[0124] Each lateral stiffening box 78 is delimited for example between a hollow delimited between two first ribs 76 of the first plate 72 and a flat area of ​​the second plate 74.

[0125] In one variant, the configuration is reversed. The second plate 74 has transverse ribs in each lateral region 42. The first plate 72 is, for example, flat in each lateral area 42 or has transverse ribs in each lateral area 42. Each lateral region 42 of the plate 30 is preferably provided with transversely elongated stiffening boxes. Each stiffening box in each lateral region 42 is delimited, for example, by a recess formed between two transverse ribs of the first plate 72 and the second plate 74.

[0126] In one variant, the first plate 72 has transverse ribs in each lateral region 42 and the second plate 74 has transverse ribs in each lateral region 42. Each lateral region 42 of the plate 30 is preferably provided with transversely elongated stiffening boxes.

[0127] In some embodiment examples, the central region 40 of the plate 30 is also provided with ribs.

[0128] The ribs of the central region 40 include, for example, transverse ribs and / or longitudinal ribs. Each rib is formed in a plate 72, 74 of the plateau 30. The ribs of the central region 40 include, for example, ribs formed in the first plate 72 and / or ribs formed in the second plate 74.

[0129] The ribs of the central region 40 include, for example, transverse ribs extending across a central zone 40A of the central region 40 and / or longitudinal ribs extending into a front zone 40B of the central region 40 and / or longitudinal ribs extending into a rear zone 40C of the central region 40.

[0130] The front zone 40B is adjacent to a front edge of the platform 30. The rear zone 40C is adjacent to a rear edge of the platform 30. The central zone 40A is located longitudinally between the front zone 40B and the rear zone 40C.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first plate 72 has first transverse ribs 82 in the central zone 40A. The first plate 72 is, for example, flat in the front zone 40B and / or in the rear zone 40C. Alternatively, the first plate 72 has ribs in the front zone 40B and / or in the rear zone 40C, in particular longitudinal ribs.

[0132] The first plate 72 is for example flat in the rear area 40C of the central region 40. Alternatively, the first plate 72 is provided with longitudinal ribs in the rear area 40C of the central region 40.

[0133] In one embodiment example, the second plate 74 is provided with second transverse ribs 84 in the central area 40A.

[0134] The second plate 74 is for example provided with front longitudinal ribs 86 in the front area 40B and / or rear longitudinal ribs 88 in the rear area 40C.

[0135] In some implementation examples, the central region 40 of the platform 30 is also equipped with stiffening boxes.

[0136] These stiffening boxes are defined in the central region 40 between the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 by transverse ribs and / or longitudinal ribs of the first plate 72 formed in the central region 40 and / or transverse ribs and / or longitudinal ribs of the second plate 74 formed in the central region 40. Each of the stiffening boxes in the central region 40 is elongated transversely.

[0137] In examples, as illustrated in Figure 9, the central region 40 includes transverse stiffening boxes 90 in the central zone 40A. These transverse stiffening boxes 90 are defined between the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 by transverse ribs of the first plate 72 and / or transverse ribs of the second plate 74 formed in the central region 40.

[0138] In examples, as illustrated in Figure 9, the central region 40 includes longitudinal stiffening boxes 92 in the forward zone 40B. These longitudinal stiffening boxes 92 are defined between the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 by longitudinal ribs of the first plate 72 and / or longitudinal ribs of the second plate 74 formed in the forward zone 40B.

[0139] In examples, as illustrated in Figure 9, the central region 40 includes rear longitudinal stiffening boxes 94 in the rear area 40C. These rear stiffening boxes 94 are defined between the first plate 72 and the second plate 74 by longitudinal ribs of the first plate 72 and / or longitudinal ribs of the second plate 74 formed in the rear area 40C. The provision of transverse ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes in the central area 40A helps to reinforce the strength of the support structure 22, particularly in the event of a side impact on the vehicle 10.

[0140] The provision of longitudinal ribs and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes in the front zone 40B and / or in the rear zone 40C makes it possible to reinforce the resistance of the support structure 22, in particular in the event of a frontal or rear impact suffered by the vehicle 10

[0141] Advantageously, the lateral regions 42 of the plateau 30 have a maximum thickness strictly greater than that of the central region 40.

[0142] Preferably, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the central region 40 to the maximum thickness of each lateral region 42 of the plate 30 is less than 1.0, in particular less than 0.9 and / or greater than 0.5, in particular greater than 0.6.

[0143] This allows for a flat-shaped platform that can be easily disassembled and handled once removed from under chassis 16 of vehicle 10.

[0144] Preferably the maximum thickness of the tray 30 is strictly less than the height of the peripheral wall 36 of the lid 32.

[0145] Preferably, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the tray 30 to the height of the peripheral wall 36 of the lid 32 is less than 0.5, in particular less than 0.4.

[0146] This allows the energy dissipation capacity of the lateral regions 42 to be increased compared to that of the central region 40 while limiting the thickness of the central region 40, which is favorable to the compactness of the battery assembly 12.

[0147] The battery pack 12 can thus be compact and easily housed under the chassis 16 of the motor vehicle while benefiting from good protection against side impacts.

[0148] As previously stated, each battery element 20 is for example removably fixed to the cover 32, for example by screwing, in particular by screwing to the upper wall 34 of the cover 32.

[0149] As seen in Figure 10, a fastening assembly 90 comprises, for fastening each battery cell 20 or each battery module 26, one or more screw / nut assemblies 48, each screw / nut assembly 48 comprising a screw 104 and a nut 106, one being fixed to the cover 32, in particular to the upper wall 34 of the cover 32, the other passing through a fastening hole 108 of the battery cell 20 or the battery module 26. The part of the screw 104 or nut 106 that is fixed to the cover 32 is, for example, glued and / or welded to the cover 32, in particular to the upper wall 34 of the cover 32.

[0150] The screw axis of each screw / nut assembly 48 is preferably vertical. This facilitates unscrewing from underneath the vehicle 10, to remove each battery cell 20 or battery module 26 from underneath the vehicle 10.

[0151] In embodiments such as those illustrated in Figure 10, the nut 106 is fixed to the cover 32, specifically to the upper wall 34 of the cover 32, for example by bonding and / or welding. The screw axis is vertical. The screw 104 can be screwed vertically from below into the nut 106.

[0152] For fixing battery element 20 or battery module 26, the screw 104 is screwed into the nut 106 through a fixing hole 108 of the battery element 20 or the battery module 26.

[0153] The invention is not limited to the examples and variants described and illustrated in the figures, other examples and other variants being conceivable.

[0154] In the examples described and illustrated, each lateral region 42 has transversely elongated transverse ribs 76 and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes 78.

[0155] As an alternative or optional complement, as illustrated in Figure 6 in dotted lines, each lateral region 42 includes longitudinally extended longitudinal ribs 76L and / or longitudinally extended stiffening boxes.

[0156] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 6, each lateral region 42 comprises longitudinally extended longitudinal ribs 76L and / or longitudinally extended stiffening boxes in a front or rear area of ​​the lateral region 42, adjacent to a front or rear edge of the plate 30.

[0157] Each longitudinal rib 76L of a lateral region 42 is made in a plate 70, 72 of the plate 30. Each longitudinally elongated stiffening box of a lateral region 42 is preferably defined between two plates 70, 72 of the plate 30, in a manner similar to the transversely elongated stiffening boxes 78.

[0158] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to have a support structure 22 for a battery assembly 12 which can be fixed under the chassis of a vehicle, the support structure 22 defining a housing 24 for receiving the battery elements 20 between a tray 30 and a cover 32 covering the tray 30.

[0159] The cover 32 having an upper wall 34 and a peripheral wall 36 allows to delimit a housing 24 open at the bottom to access the battery elements 20 received in the housing 24, the housing 24 being closed by the tray 30, so that the removal of the tray 30 allows access to the housing 24, and to the battery elements 20 which it contains, from below.

[0160] It is possible to access the housing 24, and the battery elements 20 it contains, by removing the tray 30, without dismantling the cover 32 of the chassis 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0161] The removable attachment of the battery elements 20 on the cover 32, such that the battery elements 20 are supported only by the cover 32, allows only the tray 30 to be removed, without simultaneously removing the battery elements 20.

[0162] The opening of the housing 24 is done simply by removing the tray 30 and without dismantling the cover 32 of the chassis 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0163] The battery elements 20 or the battery modules 326, individually fixed to the cover 32, can be removed one by one. This facilitates handling.

[0164] The lateral regions 42 of the plate 30, which extend laterally beyond the cover 32 and are provided with transverse ribs and / or longitudinal ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes, define effective energy absorption zones in the event of an impact suffered by the motor vehicle, in particular in the event of a side impact or a frontal impact.

[0165] The central region 40 of the platform 30, equipped with transverse ribs and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes and / or longitudinal ribs and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes, makes it possible to give the platform 30 the required resistance in the event of a lateral or frontal impact, while limiting the thickness of the platform 30 and the bulk of the battery assembly 12 under the chassis 16 of the vehicle 10.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Support structure for a motor vehicle battery assembly comprising battery cells (20) supported by the support structure, the support structure comprising a tray (30) and a cover (32) configured to be disposed on the tray (30) so as to define a housing (24) for receiving the battery cells (20) between the tray (30) and the cover (32), the cover (32) having an upper wall (34) and a peripheral wall (36) extending downwards from the upper wall (34), the peripheral wall (36) having two lateral walls (38) extending longitudinally and delimiting the housing (24) transversely between them, the tray (30) being formed of a plate (72, 74) or of several superimposed plates, the tray (30) having a central region (40) located under the cover (32) and two lateral regions (42) projecting laterally outwards from the lateral walls (38) of the lid (32),each lateral region (42) of the plate (30) having transversely elongated transverse ribs (76) and / or longitudinally elongated longitudinal ribs (76L) and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes (78) and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes (78).

2. Support structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover (32) is made of metal, in particular steel or aluminum, preferably stainless steel.

3. Support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper wall (34) and the peripheral wall (36) of the cover (32) are made in one piece of material.

4. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (32) is made by molding or shaping a sheet of material, the shaping including for example stamping and / or bending and / or profiling and / or hydroforming of the sheet of material.

5. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each plate (72, 74) is made of metal, plastic material or composite material comprising a matrix reinforced by reinforcing elements, for example reinforcing fibers.

6. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plate(s) (72, 74) is made of steel, in particular stainless steel or coated steel, or aluminum.

7. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central region (40) of the platform (30) comprises transverse ribs (84) and / or transversely elongated stiffening boxes (86) and / or longitudinally elongated longitudinal ribs (88) and / or longitudinally elongated stiffening boxes (90).

8. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the platform (30) comprises longitudinal ribs (88) and / or stiffening boxes (90) extended longitudinally in a front area (40B) of the central region (40) adjacent to a front transverse edge of the platform (30) and / or in a rear area (40C) of the central region (40) to a front transverse edge of the platform (30).

9. Support structure according to claim 8, wherein the cover (32) covers the front area (40B) and / or the rear area (40C).

10. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each stiffening box is defined between two superimposed plates (72, 74) of the platform (30).

11. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, configured for fixing the battery elements (20) on the cover (32), in particular on the upper wall (34) of the cover (32).

12. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, configured for screwing the battery elements (20) below the cover (32), in particular on the upper wall (34) of the cover.

13. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising external reinforcing elements (69) arranged on the side walls (36) of the cover (32) to reinforce the side walls (36).

14. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising internal reinforcing elements (66, 68) arranged inside the cover, in particular along the peripheral wall (36) and / or at the junction between the upper wall (34) and the peripheral wall (36).

15. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more reinforcing cross members (70), each reinforcing cross member (70) being arranged inside the cover extending transversely between the side walls (38) of the cover (32).

16. Support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cooling system (52) for cooling the battery elements (20), the cooling system (52) comprising plates of cooling (54) arranged under the upper wall (34) of the cover (32), so as to be applied to the battery elements (20) covered by the cover (32).

17. Battery block comprising a support structure according to any one of the preceding claims and battery elements (20) received in the housing, between the tray (30) and the cover (32).

18. Assembly comprising two side members (18) of a chassis (16) of a vehicle and a support structure (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the cover (32) being inserted between the two side members (18).

19. Motor vehicle comprising a chassis (16) having two longitudinal members (18) and a support structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or a battery pack according to claim 17, the cover (32) being inserted between the two longitudinal members (18).

20. Motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the cover (32) is fixed under the chassis (16) of the motor vehicle, the tray (30) being fixed under the chassis (16) of the motor vehicle in a removable manner so as to be able to remove the tray (30) and extract the battery elements (20) from the support structure (22), preferably without removing the cover from the chassis (16).

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