Battery module for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery module for a vehicle, the module comprising: - a plurality of battery cells (10) that are arranged in a so-called "arrangement" direction; - a printed circuit placed at the top of the battery cells, the printed circuit comprising a primary part (20) extending substantially in a plane (P) parallel to the arrangement direction, and a secondary part (22) forming a support for a temperature sensor (30) for measuring the temperature of one of the battery cells; in which module the secondary part (22) forms a bearing (24) which bears the temperature sensor (30) and which is offset relative to the plane (P), in the direction of the battery cell (10), so as to be in thermal contact with an outer surface of the battery cell, the secondary part (22) being connected to the primary part (20) of the printed circuit by two junction parts (26, 28) placed on either side of the bearing (24).

Description

Vehicle battery module

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle battery module. The invention also relates to a printed circuit board for such a module, a battery comprising such a module, and a vehicle comprising such a battery.

[0002] A vehicle battery, particularly for an electric or hybrid vehicle, generally consists of a casing housing multiple modules, each containing assembled battery cells that provide electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. This energy powers electrical components, such as an electric motor, an internal combustion engine for starting, a battery management unit, electrical accessories, and components that maintain the stability of the electrical system under various vehicle operating conditions. The cells can be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-type.

[0003] Several factors can affect battery performance throughout its lifespan, notably temperature. Indeed, it is important to control cell temperature because overheating can cause dangerous chemical reactions through thermal runaway, leading to risks of explosion or fire. Furthermore, at temperatures that are too high or too low, cells lose efficiency because their chemical processes are damaged, thus reducing their storage capacity. Thermal control therefore optimizes battery operation, prevents accidents, and extends cell lifespan.

[0004] Generally, the battery includes a thermal management system with temperature sensors integrated into the battery module to measure the temperature in real time. This temperature data is transmitted to the thermal management system, which adjusts the battery's actions according to the thermal conditions; for example, the system adjusts the battery's cooling. Therefore, the measured temperature must be as accurate as possible so that the thermal management system can take appropriate action.

[0005] A battery module is known, notably from document CN207558994, comprising a plate with a printed circuit board featuring a branch with a cutout forming an "L"-shaped tab and a free end equipped with a temperature sensor. This free end extends downwards to make contact with a battery cell by passing through an opening formed in the plate. This L-shape requires a certain degree of precision to position the temperature sensor as close as possible to the cell. Indeed, a difficulty could arise due to manufacturing tolerances of the components, which could make the insertion of the tab into the opening less certain, and therefore the contact between the sensor and the cell less reliable. Furthermore, in the event of an impact, the material could be sheared, causing a loss of contact between the sensor and the cell.Furthermore, cutting a window in a branch of the printed circuit board to form the tab weakens that branch and reduces the number of electrical traces that can pass through it. Moreover, when two adjacent cells are each equipped with a temperature sensor, the distance between them cannot be less than the length of their corresponding tabs; otherwise, the windows would overlap, which is not possible. Another drawback of such a battery module is that placing the temperature sensor on a free end greatly restricts the design freedom of the printed circuit board. Other examples of battery modules incorporating printed circuit boards for cell temperature measurement are known, notably documents EP3316338 A1 and US2021 / 111442 A1.

[0006] The present invention aims in particular to provide a module ensuring in a particularly reliable manner that the temperature sensor is in contact with a cell in order to make more efficient temperature monitoring, while having a robust printed circuit board and whose design is not too restrictive for the internal arrangement of the battery.

[0007] To this end the invention relates to a vehicle battery module, the module comprising: - a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction called "arrangement"; - a printed circuit board disposed on top of the battery cells, the printed circuit board comprising a primary part extending substantially in a plane P parallel to the arrangement direction and a secondary part forming a support for a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of one of the battery cells; module in which the secondary part forms a bearing which carries the temperature sensor and which is offset from the plane P towards said battery cell so as to be in thermal contact with an external surface of said battery cell, the secondary part being connected to the primary part of the printed circuit board by two junction parts disposed on either side of the bearing.

[0008] Thus, the invention proposes a printed circuit board with an innovative shape, featuring a substantially flat primary portion and a secondary portion forming a bearing positioned as close as possible to the cell and connected to the primary portion by two junction sections. It is therefore understood that the temperature sensor is located on a portion of the printed circuit board that has a continuous junction between the primary and secondary portions on either side of the temperature sensor, thus eliminating any free end that would create a dead end on the printed circuit board next to the temperature sensor.Such a continuous junction allows the temperature sensor to be placed very close to the cell without compromising the printed circuit board's electronic infrastructure. This is achieved by eliminating the need to manage trace deviations on the PCB, thanks to the creation of a window and a tab with a free end that brings the temperature sensor closer to the cell. This simplifies the layout of the traces on the electronic circuit, thus optimizing its design and the placement of electronic components.

[0009] Furthermore, such a continuous junction of the printed circuit board between the primary and secondary sections gives the printed circuit board a less fragile structure than when the board has tabs to support the temperature sensor. Indeed, the printed circuit board proposed here does not require cutting the board to create the secondary section, thus providing greater strength.

[0010] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous to include a secondary section that does not require cutting a window in a branch of the printed circuit board to form a tab. This is because the distance between two adjacent cells is not limited by the length of their corresponding tabs. Consequently, the distance between two adjacent cells can be less than the length of their respective secondary sections, thus offering greater design flexibility for the module.

[0011] It is also understood that the two junction sections form two distinct elements that maintain the secondary part—i.e., the bearing—in contact with the battery cell, and consequently ensure that the temperature sensor remains in contact with the battery cell. Furthermore, the junction sections can provide a certain degree of deformation to the printed circuit board, allowing the sensor's positioning to be precisely adapted to the cell's location during assembly, and thus accommodating manufacturing and positioning tolerances within the module.

[0012] The printed circuit board is preferably a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). A flexible printed circuit board consists of a substrate made up of multiple layers. Unlike a printed circuit board (PCB), an FPC has a layer of flexible material to give it a degree of flexibility, allowing it to change shape, for example by bending or twisting, without breaking.

[0013] Preferably, the primary portion of the printed circuit board is understood as a "main portion" of the printed circuit board, in the sense that the primary portion has a surface area corresponding to a majority of the total surface area of ​​the printed circuit board. In other words, the surface area of ​​the primary portion is greater than the surface area of ​​the secondary portion. Even more preferably, the surface area of ​​the main portion is greater than 70%, or even 80%, of the total surface area of ​​the printed circuit board.

[0014] The term "plurality of battery cells" means at least two battery cells, preferably at least ten battery cells.

[0015] The module may also include one or more of the following optional features:

[0016] – The battery cells are prismatic cells. Due to their rectangular shape, prismatic cells can be stacked much more easily than cylindrical cells and have a more favorable surface area to volume ratio for cooling. Furthermore, for the same volume, prismatic cells can store considerably more electrical energy than cylindrical cells, thus increasing the battery's energy capacity and performance. Moreover, a side-by-side arrangement, or stacking, of prismatic cells is particularly convenient from an assembly standpoint. Advantageously, each prismatic cell is housed in a separate slot within the module, separated from the adjacent slot by a partition.

[0017] – The module includes a support plate having a so-called “front” face arranged on the side of the battery cells and an opposite face called “back” bearing the printed circuit board, the support plate including at least one opening arranged opposite the outer surface of the battery cell and through which the bearing passes to be in thermal contact with said outer surface.

[0018] The mounting plate serves both to support the printed circuit board and to isolate it from the battery cells to prevent any risk of short circuits. The opening allows passage of the secondary circuitry so that the temperature sensor is located remotely, in thermal contact with the battery cell. It is understood that the junction sections can advantageously provide deformation capacity to the printed circuit board, allowing the sensor's positioning to be adapted to the positioning of the opening, and thus accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

[0019] Preferably, the support plate is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a plastic material.

[0020] – The bearing has a face fixed to the outer surface of the battery cell by means of a thermally conductive material, preferably a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0021] Securing the bearing to the battery cell ensures close contact between the sensor mount and the battery cell, preventing air from passing between the sensor mount and the battery cell. The thermally conductive material thus facilitates heat transfer by ensuring closer contact and reducing air gaps.

[0022] Preferably, the thermally conductive material is a thermally conductive adhesive (also called "thermal adhesive"), or a thermal pad (also called "gap pad" in English) or a thermal paste (also called "gap filler" in English).

[0023] Preferably, the temperature sensor is mounted on a bearing face located on the side opposite the battery cell. This placement, away from direct contact with the battery cell, prevents short circuits and protects the sensor from severe overheating.

[0024] – The bearing is fixed to a central upper surface of the cell.

[0025] This central sensor placement allows for the most accurate possible measurement of the battery cell temperature. This optimal measurement point is located approximately at the center of the battery cell's upper surface, near the electrodes and the active chemistry. Indeed, the heat generated during electrochemical processes (charging / discharging) is more intense at the center of the battery cell due to the material density and the chemical reaction. The edges of the battery cell tend to dissipate heat more quickly due to contact with air or cooling systems. By measuring the temperature near the center, a more accurate indicator of the battery cell's overall thermal state is obtained, as this is where the heat is most concentrated. Thus, the sensor's position allows it to more accurately and reliably prevent overheating and degradation.

[0026] – A pressing block is mounted on the bearing, the pressing block being configured to transmit a pressing force on the bearing against the battery cell.

[0027] The pressing block can, for example, serve as a support surface for an operator's finger or a tool to press the bearing against the battery cell during module assembly, thus ensuring that the bearing is held securely against the battery cell to prevent it from coming loose unexpectedly, even in the event of a shock.

[0028] Preferably, the press block is configured to transmit a pressing force exerted by a rib formed on a protective cover of the battery module. The protective cover's role is to protect the printed circuit board. The protective cover can also cover busbars to prevent access to them. Alternatively, the battery module comprises a housing, and the support rib extends from this housing.

[0029] Preferably, the pressing block is mounted directly around the temperature sensor, thus providing it with protection.

[0030] – The bearing has a nearly flat shape. Thus, the bearing has a large surface area that is pressed against the battery cell, for more optimal heat transfer.

[0031] – The secondary part is roughly U-shaped, with the bearing forming a base of the U and the connecting parts corresponding to lateral branches of the U.

[0032] Alternatively, the secondary section has a sinusoidal shape, in which the bearing corresponds to a trough of the sinusoid and the junction sections each correspond to a portion forming a peak of the sinusoid. More precisely, if we consider the printed circuit board in "top view," i.e., from its upper surface defined as the surface opposite the lower surface of the printed circuit board, the lower surface corresponding to the surface of the printed circuit board facing the battery cells, the bearing forms a concave portion of the secondary section and the junction sections each form a convex portion located on either side of the concave portion.

[0033] Thus, we understand that the secondary section comprises two peaks positioned on either side of the bearing. These peaks provide a degree of flexibility to the secondary section, and therefore to the bearing's positioning. The peaks and the hollow also help absorb vibrations and prevent unintended changes in the temperature sensor's position. This flexibility is particularly advantageous because it allows for easy adjustment of the bearing's height (or amplitude) to position it as close as possible to the cell, readily adapting to manufacturing or assembly tolerances. Furthermore, the sinusoidal shape is especially beneficial for allowing substantial height variations while maintaining a compact secondary section.In particular, the size of the secondary section in the plane parallel to the layout direction can be significantly reduced, allowing for more secondary sections to be placed on the printed circuit board than if a bearing were created by simply bending the board. Furthermore, the downward height of the bearing can be increased without risking breakage of the secondary section due to excessive bending. Another advantage is that the secondary section can absorb more vibrations by deforming vertically, adopting various height configurations relative to the cell. This flexibility also reduces the risk of accidental contact with other components in the event of shocks.

[0034] Advantageously, the sinusoidal shape of the secondary section is configured so that the secondary section, at rest (i.e., in its undeformed position), has a length in the arrangement direction of less than 30 mm (millimeters), preferably less than 20 mm, or even less than 10 mm. The "length of the secondary section in the arrangement direction" is understood to be the length in that direction of the portion of the printed circuit board that lies outside the plane of the primary section. In other words, this length is measured from the offset formed by the junction sections from the plane of the primary section.

[0035] According to a different way of describing the flexibility of the secondary section, the sinusoidal shape of the secondary section has a developed length at rest (i.e., in its undeformed position) greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, or even greater than 50 mm. The "developed length of the sinusoidal shape of the secondary section" refers to the developed length of the secondary section, defined here as the portion of the printed circuit board that lies outside the plane of the primary section. In other words, this length is measured from the point where the junctions extend from the plane of the primary section.

[0036] According to a particularly interesting example, the secondary part has a length in the arrangement direction at rest of approximately 20 mm (+ or – 10%) and a developed length of approximately 40 mm (+ or – 10%).

[0037] – The battery cell has a protective casing and the outer surface of the battery cell has an opening in this protective casing, into which the bearing is inserted.

[0038] The opening allows for closer contact with the battery cell, improving temperature detection accuracy. This eliminates the thermal resistance of the protective casing.

[0039] Preferably, the opening is located in a central upper surface of the cell.

[0040] – The primary part of the printed circuit board includes at least one protrusion, called a "wavelet", which protrudes from plane P, opposite the secondary part.

[0041] The printed circuit board therefore includes at least one other part offset from plane P, advantageously taking the form of a wave, other than the secondary part. This allows for a certain degree of flexibility in the printed circuit board and thus in the positioning of certain parts of it. The protrusion advantageously corresponds to a deformation of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, this deformation allows the printed circuit board to compensate for the swelling of the battery cells (geometric compensation) under high-temperature conditions, so that the temperature sensor remains as close as possible to the battery cell. Such a deformation also helps absorb vibrations to prevent any unintended changes in the position of the printed circuit board. Finally, the wave ensures the robustness of the module assembly.

[0042] Preferably, the wavelet has a shape roughly in the shape of a U, with the base of the U oriented towards the outside of the module and the branches oriented towards the support plate and the cells.

[0043] – The opening in the support plate is a closed contour hole. In such a case, it is particularly advantageous for the printed circuit board to have flexible sections so that the bearing can be easily positioned in relation to this hole.

[0044] The secondary part forming the bearing corresponds to a deformation of the printed circuit board. This is a particularly advantageous embodiment, as the printed circuit board can thus have an initially undeformed shape, and its final shape is the result of deformation. In this case, a flexible printed circuit board is advantageously used. Alternatively, the printed circuit board could also be manufactured by molding; in this case, the secondary part does not precisely correspond to a deformation of the printed circuit board.

[0045] – The orientation direction corresponds to a horizontal direction on the vehicle. In this case, and when a support plate is provided, the front face facing the battery cells corresponds to a bottom face and the opposite rear face corresponds to a top face. However, the orientation direction could also correspond to a vertical direction on the vehicle.

[0046] The invention also relates to a printed circuit board for a module as described above, the printed circuit board comprising the primary part and the secondary part, the printed circuit board being formed by a multilayer assembly which includes at least one layer of copper covered with a plastic coating at least on the secondary part.

[0047] The plastic coating increases the mechanical resistance to deformation in case of printed circuit board deformation during the secondary circuitry process. It helps maintain the shape of the copper, preventing it from returning to its original form through elastic deformation. The plastic coating also increases the overall mechanical strength of the printed circuit board.

[0048] Preferably, the primary part is also covered with a plastic coating.

[0049] Preferably, the copper layer has a thickness of between approximately 0.3 mm (millimeters) and 0.7 mm.

[0050] The invention also relates to a vehicle battery comprising at least one battery module as described above.

[0051] 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. Brief description of the figures

[0052] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0053] This is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0054] Laest is a slightly perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of the module of the, the section being along the II-II direction illustrated on the.

[0055] Laest is a section of the upper left part of a module similar to that of the, the section being along the III-III direction illustrated on the, partially showing cells, a support, a printed circuit board and a cover of the module.

[0056] This is a perspective view of the printed circuit board of the module, isolated from the other elements of the module.

[0057] Laest is an enlarged schematic view illustrating the top of a cell of a module similar to that of the, as well as the printed circuit board and support arranged above, the section being along the II-II direction illustrated on the.

[0058] This is a perspective view of the upper part of a cell belonging to the module of the.

[0059] This is a top perspective view of a support plate of the module, isolated from the other elements of the module. Detailed description

[0060] Throughout what follows, orientations are indicated with reference to the orientations of the figures. In particular, the terms "superior", "inferior", "left", "right", "above", "at the top", "below", "forward" and "backward", "upward" or "downward" are generally understood in relation to the direction in which the figures are represented.

[0061] A battery module 1 is shown, generally designed to be housed with other modules in a battery casing. Such a battery is particularly suitable for vehicles such as motor vehicles (cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, trains, machinery, including construction equipment, etc.), marine vehicles such as ships, aircraft, or amphibious vehicles such as submarines.

[0062] Module 1 here comprises two end walls 3, 5, respectively front 3 and rear 5, and two other side walls 7, 9 which together form an outer shell surrounding a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged inside the module. The various walls 3, 5, 7, 9 are, for example, fixed together by screws to hold the cells 10 in place.

[0063] Module 1 comprises a printed circuit board 12 positioned on top of the cells 10. In the example shown, the printed circuit board 12 is supported by a mounting plate 14. The mounting plate 14 has a front face, located on the side facing the battery cells 10 (here, a lower face), and an opposite, rear face, bearing the printed circuit board 12 (here, a upper face). This mounting plate 14 also carries busbars 16 that provide the electrical connection between the individual cells 10. Advantageously, the printed circuit board 12 and the busbars 16 are connected to an external control system for module 1. The mounting plate 14 supports and isolates the printed circuit board 12 from the battery cells 10 to prevent any risk of short circuits. Preferably, the mounting plate 14 is made of an electrically insulating material, most likely a plastic.Furthermore, module 1 in this example includes a protective cover 18 () intended to cover and protect at least the upper part of module 1. This protective cover 18 has been omitted to make the printed circuit 12 visible.

[0064] This allows us to see the interior of module 1. We find several cells 10 arranged in a direction D, known as the arrangement direction, or stacking direction. Of course, the number of cells 10 per module is not limited to the example shown; module 1 can contain four, six, eight, or ten, or even more than ten cells. The cells 10 are advantageously prismatic cells arranged in the arrangement direction D, stacked side by side. More precisely, here, battery module 1 has compartments delimited by partitions 11 mounted parallel to and between the end walls 3, 5 (Figures 2, 5).

[0065] As can be seen in Figure 5, the printed circuit board 12 comprises a primary portion 20 extending substantially in a plane P parallel to the arrangement direction D. Here, plane P is a horizontal plane. The printed circuit board 12 also includes at least one secondary portion 22 offset from plane P towards a battery cell 10, here offset downwards. The secondary portion 22 corresponds in this example to a deformation of the printed circuit board 12, which exhibits a certain degree of flexibility. As can be seen in Figure 5, the printed circuit board 12 has a continuous junction between the primary portion 20 and the secondary portion 22.More particularly, the secondary part 22 forms a platform 24 (here a lower platform 24) extending substantially in a plane P' parallel to the plane P, and which is connected to the primary part 20 by two connecting parts 26, 28 arranged on either side of the platform 24, so that there is no interruption between the primary part 20 and the secondary part 22.

[0066] Preferably, the printed circuit board 12 is a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). A flexible printed circuit board comprises a substrate formed by a multilayer assembly. The FPC 12 includes a layer of flexible material to give it a degree of flexibility, allowing it to change shape, for example by bending or twisting, without breaking. Advantageously, the multilayer assembly includes at least one copper layer coated with a plastic material, at least on the secondary portion 22. The plastic coating increases the mechanical resistance to deformation of this secondary portion 22. Thus, it helps maintain the shape of the copper, preventing it from returning to its original shape through elastic deformation. The plastic coating also increases the overall mechanical strength of the printed circuit board 12.

[0067] The bearing 24 carries a temperature sensor 30, schematically illustrated in the figure, for measuring the temperature of the cell 10 with which the bearing 24 is in thermal contact. More precisely, the bearing 24 is in thermal contact with an outer surface of this cell 10, here a top surface. Preferably, the bearing 24 has a face fixed to the outer surface of the battery cell 10 by means of a thermally conductive material 32, preferably a thermally conductive adhesive 32 (visible in the figure). A pressure block 34 is also mounted on the bearing 24, preferably mounted directly around the temperature sensor 30 so as to provide it with some protection. This pressure block 34 is configured to transmit a pressing force on the bearing 24 against the battery cell 10. Preferably, a force is exerted by a rib 19 formed on the protective cover 18 of the battery module 1, as shown in the figure.The pressing block 34 also allows, or alternatively, to serve as a support surface for an operator's finger or a tool to press the bearing 24 against the battery cell 10 during the assembly of the module, which makes it more reliable to hold the bearing 24 against the battery cell 10 in order to prevent it from coming loose unexpectedly, even in the event of a shock.

[0068] The overall view of the printed circuit board 12 is visible in Figure 1. It can be seen that the printed circuit board 12, in this example, has two sections 13 and 15 extending substantially in plane P and intended to be positioned on two opposite lateral edges above the cells 10. The invention is not limited to this type of printed circuit board; indeed, the printed circuit board may comprise a single section or more than two sections. It can also be seen that the printed circuit board 12 here comprises three distinct secondary parts 22: one on the first section 13 and two on the second section 15. The invention is not limited by a particular number of secondary parts; the printed circuit board may comprise a single secondary part 22 or several secondary parts 22. Providing between two and five secondary parts is particularly suitable.In the following paragraphs, only one of these three secondary parts is described; it is implied that this description also applies to the other secondary parts.

[0069] In the example shown, the secondary part 22 (on the first section 13) has a sinusoidal shape, in which the bearing 24 corresponds to a trough of the sinusoid and the connecting parts 26 and 28 each correspond to a portion forming a peak of the sinusoid on either side of the trough. Here, the trough of the sinusoid has a flat section. In another example, not shown, the secondary part 22 is essentially U-shaped, with the bearing 24 forming a base of the "U" and the connecting parts 26 and 28 corresponding to lateral branches of the "U". The peaks and trough of the sinusoidal shape advantageously absorb vibrations and prevent unintended changes in the position of the temperature sensor 30.

[0070] Furthermore, and particularly advantageously, it is noted that the primary portion 20 of the printed circuit board 12 comprises at least three projections 40, 42, 44, referred to as "wavy" features. Of course, the inclusion of three projections is only one example of an embodiment, and the primary portion 20 may include only one, two, or more than three projections. Each wavy feature 40, 42, 44 projects from plane P, opposite the secondary portion 22, therefore here towards the top of module 1. Each wavy feature 40, 42, 44 advantageously corresponds to another deformation of the printed circuit board 12. It is also understood here that each wavy feature 40, 42, 44 is continuously connected to the primary portion 20. Each wavy feature 40, 42, 44 allows for a certain degree of flexibility in the printed circuit board 12 and thus in the positioning of certain parts of this printed circuit board 12.In the example of the, the wavelet 40, 42, 44 has a shape roughly in U, the base of the U being oriented towards the upper part of module 1 and the branches being oriented towards the support plate 14.

[0071] Lamontre shows how the secondary part 22 is offset from plane P of the primary part 20 to be in thermal contact with the outer surface of the cell 10. It is noted that the bearing 24 has one face fixed to the cell 10 by means of the thermally conductive adhesive 32. Instead of such an adhesive, a thermal pad (also called a "gap pad") or thermal paste (also called a "gap filler") can be used. The temperature sensor 30 is mounted on a face of the bearing 24 located on the opposite side of the cell 10, so as not to be in direct contact with the cell 10 in order to prevent any short circuit and to protect the sensor 30 in case of overheating. The pressing block 34 is mounted directly around the temperature sensor 30 to provide it with some protection. It is noted that the bearing 24 is fixed to a central upper surface of the cell 10.Positioning the temperature sensor 30 in this way allows for the most accurate possible measurement of the battery cell 10's temperature. Indeed, the center of cell 10 corresponds to an optimal point where the heat of cell 10 is most concentrated, thus enabling the most precise temperature measurement possible.

[0072] Advantageously, the cell 10 includes a protective housing 50 defining the external surfaces of the cell 10, as shown in the figure. The upper part of the external surface 50 of the cell 10 comprises two terminals 52 and 54, positive and negative respectively, with which the bus bars 16 are intended to be in contact. Furthermore, this external surface advantageously includes an opening 56 formed in the protective housing 50. The bearing 24 is preferably in thermal contact with the bottom of this opening 56, which allows the temperature sensor 30 to have contact as close as possible to the core of the cell 10 to improve the accuracy of temperature detection.It should be noted that the orifice 56 is provided in a central upper surface of the cell 10, that is to say at a point distinct from the ends of the upper surface, so that the temperature sensor 30 can measure the temperature around the optimal point of the cell 10. It should also be noted that the orifice 56 is arranged next to a vent 58 which releases gases in the event of overheating or overpressure inside the cell 10. Thus, the temperature sensor 30 is directly able to detect any anomaly at the level of the cell 10 in order to alert the module management system.

[0073] Furthermore, on the figure, it is also noted that the support plate 14 includes an opening 60 positioned opposite the outer surface of the cell 10. This opening 60 is traversed by the bearing 24 to be in thermal contact with said outer surface, preferably with the orifice 56 provided in the protective casing 50 of the cell 10. Figure 1 shows one face of the support plate 14, with three openings 60. Each opening 60 allows only the passage of the secondary part 22 so that the bearing 24 can offset the temperature sensor 30, while the primary part 20 of the printed circuit board is isolated from the cells. Moreover, it should be noted that the junction parts 26, 28, which provide deformation capacity to the printed circuit board 12, allow the positioning of the temperature sensor 30 to be adapted to the positioning of the opening 60, and thus to comply with manufacturing tolerances.It is noted that in the example shown, the opening 60 is a closed contour orifice. In such a case, it is particularly advantageous for the printed circuit board 12 to have flexible sections, notably the junction sections 26, 28, or the wavelets 40, 42, 44, so that the bearing 24 can be positioned opposite this opening 60 to make thermal contact with the cell 10. Furthermore, the support plate 14 includes through holes 62 which allow the bus bars 16 to make contact with the terminals 52, 54 of the cells 10.

[0074] 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

[0075] D: Layout direction P, P': Planes parallel to the layout direction D1: Battery module 3: Front wall 5: Rear wall 7, 9: Side walls 10: Cell 11: Partition 12: Printed circuit board 13, 15: First and second sections of the printed circuit board 12 14: Support plate 16: Busbar 18: Protective cover 19: Rib 20: Primary section 22: Secondary section 24: Bearing 26, 28: Junction sections 30: Temperature sensor 32: Thermally conductive material 34: Pressing block 40, 42, 44: Wavelets 50: Cell protective cover 10 52, 54: Terminals 56: Port 58: Vent 60: Opening formed in the support plate 14 62: Through hole

Claims

Vehicle battery module (1), the module comprising: - a plurality of battery cells (10) arranged in a direction (D) referred to as the "arrangement" direction; - a printed circuit board (12) disposed on top of the battery cells (10), the printed circuit board (12) comprising a primary portion (20) extending substantially in a plane (P) parallel to the arrangement direction (D) and a secondary portion (22) supporting a temperature sensor (30) for measuring the temperature of one of the battery cells; wherein the secondary portion (22) forms a bearing (24) which carries the temperature sensor (30) and which is offset from plane P towards said battery cell (10) so as to be in thermal contact with an external surface of said battery cell (10), the secondary portion (22) being connected to the primary portion (20) of the printed circuit board (12) by two junction portions (26, 28) disposed on either side of the bearing (24);characterized in that the secondary part (22) has a sinusoidal shape, in which the bearing (24) corresponds to a trough of the sinusoid and the junction parts (26, 28) each correspond to a part forming a peak of the sinusoid.; Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary part (20) and the secondary part (22) each have an area and the area of ​​the primary part (20) is greater than the area of ​​the secondary part (22). Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cells (10) are prismatic cells. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a support plate (14) having a so-called "front" face disposed on the side of the battery cells (10) and an opposite face so-called "back" face carrying the printed circuit (12), the support plate (14) comprising at least one opening (60) disposed opposite the outer surface of the battery cell (10) and through which the bearing (24) passes to be in thermal contact with said outer surface. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing (24) has a face fixed to the outer surface of the battery cell (10) by means of a thermally conductive material (32), preferably a thermally conductive adhesive. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressing block (34) is mounted on the bearing (24), the pressing block (34) being configured to transmit a pressing force on the bearing (24) against the battery cell (10), preferably a force exerted by a rib (19) formed on a protective cover (18) of the battery module (1). Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing (24) has a substantially flat shape. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sinusoidal shape of the secondary part (22) is configured so that the secondary part, at rest, has a length in the arrangement direction of less than 30 mm (millimeters), preferably less than 20 mm, or even less than 10 mm. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sinusoidal shape of the secondary part (22) has a developed length at rest greater than 30 mm, preferably greater than 40 mm, or even greater than 50 mm. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery cell (10) comprises a protective envelope (50) and the outer surface of the battery cell (10) comprises an opening (56) formed in this protective envelope (50), opening (56) into which the bearing is inserted. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary part (20) of the printed circuit board (12) includes at least one projection, referred to as a "wavelet" (40, 42, 44), which projects from plane P, opposite the secondary part (22). Battery module (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the opening (60) of the support plate (14) is a closed contour orifice. Battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary part (22) forming the bearing (24) corresponds to a deformation of the printed circuit board (12). Printed circuit board for a battery module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the printed circuit board (12) comprising the primary part (20) and the secondary part (22), the printed circuit board (12) being formed by a multilayer assembly which includes at least one copper layer covered with a plastic coating at least on the secondary part. Vehicle battery, comprising at least one battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Vehicle comprising a battery according to the preceding claim.

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