Battery pack comprising removably mounted modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack comprising a battery tray (1) comprising a bottom and upright edges, the bottom being equipped with at least one guiding element, such as a rail or walls, extended in the longitudinal direction (X) and projecting vertically upwards from the bottom, the battery pack comprising removable electric battery modules (2), each module being able to be individually inserted or removed from the pack in an insertion direction (T), each inserted module having an interface in mechanical contact with guiding elements in the transverse direction, with a retaining system arranged on the tray in order to keep the module inserted in abutment along the insertion direction, and with an electrical connection system configured to connect the electrical terminals of the module to a collector forming a bus bar, the electrical contacts being established automatically by coupling at the end of insertion.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Battery pack comprising removablely mounted modules

[0003] The present invention relates to battery packs used in electric or hybrid vehicles. Such a battery pack forms the source of electrical energy when such an electric or hybrid vehicle is operating and moving in zero-emission mode.

[0004] [0 Many battery packs comprise a plurality of battery modules, each of the battery modules in turn comprising a plurality of unit cells, the unit cell forming a basic electrical accumulator.

[0005] In this document, a 'battery module' or simply 'module' refers to an organ that houses a plurality of unit cells.

[0006] The question of the repairability of objects and in particular the repairability of vehicles is becoming increasingly important, and there is a demand to propose multiple repair options that preserve, in particular, the consumption of natural resources.

[0007]

[0005] However, it turns out that currently available battery packs are essentially assembled in a non-removable manner, and that when a battery pack contains a defective module, the entire battery pack must be replaced to repair the vehicle. Furthermore, repairing the battery pack is a tedious process.

[0008]

[0006] The inventors sought to propose a battery pack construction that promotes its repairability, with at least each of the modules being able to be replaced individually easily, and even optionally each of the unit cells being able to be replaced individually.

[0009] Therefore, to repair the defective item, resource usage will be minimized, with only the necessary component being replaced. Furthermore, the cost of the resources required for the repair is also minimized. In addition, the modules will be disassembled as easily as possible to reduce the labor involved in the repair.

[0010] To this end, a battery pack is proposed here comprising a battery tray including a base and raised edges, the battery tray being located in an orthogonal spatial frame including a vertical direction, a first horizontal direction called longitudinal and a second horizontal direction called transverse, the base generally extending along the longitudinal and transverse directions,

[0011] - the bottom being equipped with at least one guiding element, such as a rail or low walls, extending along the longitudinal direction and projecting vertically upwards from the bottom,

[0012] - the battery pack comprising a plurality of removable battery modules, each module being able to be individually inserted or removed from the pack in an insertion direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, each inserted module being in mechanical contact interface with at least one of the guide elements in the transverse direction, so as to prevent movement in the transverse direction, characterized in that a retention system is provided arranged on the tray to hold the module in the insertion stop along the insertion direction, i.e. in a fully inserted position, and in that an electrical connection system is provided configured to connect each of the two electrical terminals of the module to a busbar, the establishment of the electrical contacts, namely positive and negative, being preferably carried out automatically by coupling at the end of the insertion movement.

[0013] [0 Thanks to these features, the modules can be assembled without glue or screws, with convenient and quick removal as well as easy and quick insertion. This increases the selectivity of the repair, while simultaneously reducing the time required to carry out the repair.

[0014]

[0010] The configuration proposed above is consistent with the increasingly fine ability conferred on the battery management computer ('BMS') to be able to selectively identify a module with a failure or even to identify a unit cell with a failure.

[0015]

[0011] To promote conciseness in this text, the longitudinal direction will be called X, the transverse direction will be called Y, and the vertical direction will be called Z. Furthermore, the insertion direction or coupling direction will be called T.

[0016] We note that the insertion direction, therefore T, being perpendicular to Y can be parallel to X or can be parallel to Z.

[0017] We will see later that the retention system can be formed as a locking system or as a strong indexing system, which will be discussed in detail later.

[0018] Advantageously, the guide elements allow the battery module to be positioned relative to the tray along the transverse Y direction.

[0019]

[0015] Each guide element can be formed by a spacer interposed between two adjacent battery modules.

[0020]

[0016] The guiding element, in particular depending on its height, forms a spacer separating the modules, thus taking up the forces along Y.

[0021]

[0017] Each battery module includes a support face bearing against the bottom of the battery tray.

[0022] The guide elements cooperate with the retention system to immobilize each module in 3 dimensions so that the module is held in the desired position regardless of external vibrational stresses experienced by the vehicle as well as any shocks that the vehicle may experience in its life cycle.

[0023] Note that the battery module can straddle the guidance element or the battery module can be interposed between two guidance elements separated along Y (the module is then framed by two guidance elements along Y).

[0024] Zone A of the module is called the front front zone in the insertion and coupling movement, and conversely, zone B is called the zone located opposite zone A. That being said, we note that the retention system can be arranged either in zone A or in zone B.

[0025]

[0021] It is noted that the battery pack also includes a cover that closes the top of the battery tray. In other words, the cover extends parallel to the bottom of the battery tray. In particular, the cover is positioned opposite the bottom. The cover is configured to be removable, especially when battery modules are being replaced. In other words, the cover can be detached.

[0021] It is noted that the cover can also contribute to a holding and / or immobilizing function once it is placed on the battery tray in its normal operating position.

[0026] Regarding the vocabulary used here, the battery tray can also be called the lower casing, while the cover can also be called the upper casing.

[0027] [0 It is also necessary to understand that, according to one option, the module is equipped with liquid circulation-based cooling and that, as will be seen later, automatic coupling of the two liquid lines can be provided at the end of the insertion stroke, in addition to the establishment of electrical connections.

[0028] Although the proposal preferably provides for an automatic coupling connection system, a conventional connection is not excluded.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the insertion direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the guide element is formed as a rail extending along the longitudinal direction, then called the sliding direction, the battery module being guided by sliding along the rail.

[0030]

[0027] In this configuration, the module is inserted parallel to its long sides in essentially a horizontal translation, and at the end of the translation, the final stroke causes the electrical coupling of the terminals of the module with the bus bar provided in the battery tray and the cooling lines, if present, are subject to a coupling.

[0031] According to one design, the rail has a T-shaped or mushroom-head shaped cross-section.

[0032] Thanks to the above arrangements, a slide with a single degree of freedom is provided, i.e., a translation along the X axis. Due to the T-shape or with a head, the module is secured along the vertical Z direction.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the insertion direction is parallel to the vertical Z direction.

[0034] Once the cover is removed, the different modules can be accessed from the top and can be removed or inserted by a vertical movement, without necessarily having possible access to the longitudinal ends of the modules.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the guide element is formed as one or more low walls on the bottom wall of the battery tray, in order to wedge the module in the transverse direction, in particular after insertion of the modules in the top-to-bottom direction.

[0036] [0 The walls act as wedges along the transverse axis Y. The spaced walls solution allows for a weight saving compared to a continuous rail solution.

[0037] The retention system can be configured to be activated, for example automatically, at the end of the insertion movement.

[0038] The restraint system may include a spring.

[0039] The retention system may include a moving part, for example under the action of the spring, such as a hook or a latch, and whose shape is complementary to that of the battery module.

[0040] For example, one part of the module and the moving part may have a groove comprising two walls offset along the X-axis, and the other part of the battery module and the moving part may have a lug adapted to fit into the groove. [0 In one embodiment, the module is optionally equipped with a fluid connection system configured to couple an internal cooling circuit of the module with a general cooling circuit.]

[0041] The general cooling circuit may include a plurality of pipes extending inside the battery pack, including outside the modules.

[0042]

[0040] These conduits may lead to connection elements suitable for cooperating with cooling conduits external to the battery pack.

[0043] As a result, the circulation of the cooling fluid inside the module, in thermal contact with the cells, allows for efficient and homogeneous cooling of all the cells in the module.

[0044] Advantageously, the fluid connection system is a liquid connection system. The fluid connection system is therefore suitable for circulating a coolant.

[0045] Advantageously, the fluid connection system includes two fluid connections.

[0046] Advantageously, the coupling of the two fluid fittings can be carried out automatically at the end of the insertion movement.

[0047] Advantageously, the coupling of the fluid fitting can be carried out automatically at the end of the insertion movement.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the bottom of the tray is equipped with a heat transfer plate in strong thermal coupling with the base wall of the modules, and in this case the modules may not include a fluid cooling circuit.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the retention system is a locking system that is unlocked via a specific manual action or with the help of an unlocking tool.

[0050] Consequently, unlocking only occurs at the specific request of an operator performing the dismantling. And the rest of the time, the locking mechanism is particularly robust against mechanical stresses, including vibrations and shocks.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the retention system is a strong indexing system with release by retraction, the force required for retraction being greater than the force required for insertion.

[0052] In this case, no tool or special procedure is needed to unlock it; a strong pull in the opposite direction of insertion is all that is required to remove the module. It is therefore reversible, but not symmetrical with regard to the forces involved.

[0053] In one design, each battery module comprises a plurality of individual cells. Within a module, the cells are electrically arranged in series or parallel. The cells are placed side by side. The cells can be prismatic or pouch-type (called 'pouch' in industry jargon).

[0054] In one embodiment, the cell terminals ('tabs') are not connected by soldering, but are screwed or crimped together. This makes it possible to remove a cell individually for replacement. [0 In one embodiment, the electrical connection system includes a male connection pin on the module side and a female connection pin on the tray base side.

[0055] Put another way, the connection system is formed by a coupling between a male part and a female part, as known in the trade of electrical fittings, and designated by the Anglo-Saxon term 'mating'.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a battery pack as described above.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the battery pack is arranged in an area of ​​the vehicle floor, and configured to be removed from underneath the vehicle, for repair purposes, including repair or replacement of one or more modules.

[0058] The vehicle in question may be an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0059] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which:

[0060] - [Fig. 1] schematically represents, in profile view, an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack in the area of ​​its floor;

[0061] - [Fig.2] schematically represents in cross-section an example of a battery pack in which the present invention is implemented;

[0062] - [Fig.3] schematically represents, in top view, an example of a battery pack in which the present invention is implemented;

[0063] - [Fig.4] schematically represents in perspective an example of a battery pack in which the present invention is implemented;

[0064] - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates in cross-section a plurality of battery modules placed side by side and separated by a rail or low walls;

[0065] - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates in profile view an example of a battery module with a top-to-bottom insertion direction, the final coupling position being represented by dotted lines;

[0066] - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates in profile view an example of a battery module with a horizontal insertion direction, the final coupling position being represented in dotted lines;

[0067] - [Fig.8] schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of a retention system formed here as a locking system, placed in the upper zone, in the configuration of a horizontal insertion;

[0068] - [Fig.9] is analogous to figure 8 and schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of a restraint system formed here as a locking system, placed in the lower area;

[0069] - [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates the front face of an example battery module with an element for the mechanical interface, two electrical terminals and two coolant circuit fittings;

[0070] - [Fig.1 1 ] is analogous to figure 10 and schematically illustrates another example of a battery module with one element for the mechanical interface, two electrical terminals and two coolant circuit fittings;

[0071] - [Fig.12] schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of a retention system formed here as a locking system, in the configuration of a top-down insertion; - [Fig.13] is analogous to figure 12 and schematically illustrates in cross-section another example of a locking system, in the configuration of a top-down insertion;

[0072] - [Fig.14] is analogous to figure 8 and schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of a retention system formed here as a strong indexing system, in the configuration of a horizontal insertion;

[0073] - [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates in cross-section another example of a locking system, in the configuration of a horizontal insertion, the latch system being arranged opposite the front face of the coupling;

[0074] - [Fig.16] schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of an electrical connection system, with the situation before coupling on the left and the situation after coupling on the right;

[0075] - [Fig.17] schematically illustrates an example of a cooling circuit connection system, with the situation before coupling on the left and the situation after coupling on the right, in cross-section;

[0076] - [Fig. 18] schematically illustrates in perspective an example of a cooling circuit integrated into the battery tray, and intended to supply each of the battery modules with cooling fluid;

[0077] - [Fig. 19] schematically illustrates an example of an electrical busbar arrangement in the battery tray to connect different battery modules in series mode;

[0078] - [Fig.20] schematically illustrates an example of an electrical busbar arrangement in the battery tray to connect different battery modules in parallel mode;

[0079] - [Fig.21] schematically represents different examples of rail sections for guiding and holding battery modules in the battery tray;

[0080] - [Fig.22] schematically represents in exploded mode an example of the constitution of a module with two cells;

[0081] - [Fig.23] schematically illustrates in cross-section an example of a retention system formed here as a strong indexing system, based on a tilting stirrup.

[0082] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0083]

[0060] Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle VH comprising a battery pack PB arranged in the vehicle floor area. More specifically, the battery pack is mounted under the vehicle's structural floor. In the illustrated example, the battery pack can be removed from underneath the vehicle.

[0084] Although Figure 1 represents a 100% electric vehicle, the invention covers all types of electric or hybrid vehicles, the vehicles in question being passenger vehicles, utility vehicles, vans, recreational vehicles.

[0085] The electrical storage capacity of the battery pack can range, for hybrid vehicles, from a few kWh (for example, 2 to 5 kWh) up to several tens of kWh for 100% electric vehicles with ranges exceeding 500 km, for example, at least 60 kWh, with no upper limit. [0 We are particularly interested in lithium-ion battery packs, although the present invention relates to any electrochemical technology of electrical storage cells.]

[0086] The PB battery pack comprises a plurality of battery modules, marked 2. Each of the battery modules comprises a plurality of unit cells 7, the unit cell forms a basic electrical accumulator.

[0087] The number of cells in a module can range from 2 to several dozen.

[0088] Similarly, the number of modules in a battery pack can range from 2 to several dozen.

[0089] It is not necessary for all modules to be of the same type and it is not necessary for all modules to include the same number of cells.

[0090] In the figures, the battery pack elements are located relative to the following orthogonal coordinate system: the vertical direction is denoted Z, the horizontal (longitudinal) direction is denoted X (along the long sides of the modules), and the other horizontal (transverse) direction is denoted Y. Note that the longitudinal horizontal direction of the battery pack can coincide with the longitudinal horizontal direction of the vehicle (V) or with the horizontal and transverse direction of the vehicle (W). In other words, the longer lengths of the modules (along X) can be aligned along the front-to-back direction (V) of the vehicle or along the left-to-right direction (W). Furthermore, as will be seen later, an insertion or coupling direction, generically denoted T, is defined, with an associated kinematics that will be discussed later.

[0091]

[0070] The battery pack includes a lower casing, also called battery tray 1.

[0092]

[0071] The battery tray 1 comprises a base 10 and raised edges. In practice, for a generally prismatic battery pack, there are 4 raised edges marked 11, 12, 13, 14 respectively, as can be seen in figure 3.

[0093] In the example shown, in the middle position, there is also a cross member 15, which forms a stiffener, and which facilitates, if necessary, the passage of the electrical cables which connect each of the modules to the battery management computer 18 (called BMS from the English Battery Management System).

[0094] A plurality of 16 fixings are provided which allow the battery pack to be fixed under the structural floor of the VH vehicle.

[0095] Battery pack 1 includes two isolation contacts, controlled by the BMS, which allow the electrical power supply to be interrupted outside the pack and thus isolate the battery pack from the vehicle VH.

[0096] In addition, multiple temperature and current sensors are planned on the battery modules, which allows the BMS computer to know the state of charge and the state of health of each of the modules as well as to determine a possible failure of one of them.

[0097]

[0076] In addition to or as an alternative to a circulation of cooling fluid in the modules, a thermal plate 19 arranged on the upper face of the bottom 10 of the battery tray may be provided, as illustrated in figure 5.

[0098]

[0077] The battery tray 1 is preferably made of aluminum alloy. However, the battery tray and the lid could be made of any other material. The battery tray can be a monolithic piece or an assembly of several parts, for example, the raised edges can be pieces assembled onto the base.

[0099] It is important to understand that the battery tray and, where applicable, its rising edges can be partially or totally boxed, that is to say, include a multitude of protruding or recessed reliefs which give good rigidity to the parts concerned.

[0100] As an alternative or in addition, the battery tray may include local backups.

[0101] The battery pack also includes a cover 3 which closes the top of the battery compartment 1, the cover can also be called the upper casing.

[0102] Advantageously according to the present invention, the bottom of the tray 10 is equipped with a plurality of guiding elements, which can take several forms which are discussed below.

[0103] According to one embodiment, each guide element can be represented as a rail 31 which extends along the longitudinal direction X.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the guide element can be in the form of one or more low walls 32. (cf Fig 4).

[0105] Furthermore, the guide elements protrude vertically upwards from the bottom 10.

[0106] Each electric battery module 2 rests on the bottom of the battery tray. Each module generally presents a mechanical contact interface, an electrical interface, and optionally a coolant interface to the battery tray.

[0107] The mechanical contact interface includes a guiding function provided by the aforementioned rails and / or walls, and a retaining function in the normal operating position.

[0108]

[0087] The retention system can be formed as a locking system illustrated, for example, in Figures 8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. According to another solution illustrated in Figure 14, the retention system can be formed as a strong indexing mechanism (i.e., a strong indexing system). A strong indexing system is a release-by-removal indexing system, where the force required for removal is greater than the force required for insertion.

[0109] [0 Zone A of the module is the front front zone in the insertion and coupling movement, and conversely zone B is the zone which is located opposite zone A, as illustrated in figures 6 and 7.

[0110] Zone A can be located at the end of the module in the case of horizontal insertion, or can be located on the underside in the case of vertical insertion.

[0111] Each module is generally parallelepiped in shape. Each module comprises 4 long faces which correspond to the faces which extend along the longest dimension of the parallelepiped and 2 short faces which complete and close the ends of the long faces.

[0112]

[0091] More specifically, an electric battery module 2 here comprises 4 long rectangular faces marked 23, 24, 25, 26, a first short face 21, another opposite short face 22.

[0113] Horizontal insertion figure 7, the module is slid along the X direction which here coincides with the insertion and coupling direction Ta.

[0114] The short front face (zone A here) is where the electrical and fluid couplings are made at the end of the movement. The electrical and cooling fluid interfaces are therefore arranged on the short face 21 at the end of the module.

[0115] A gripping element, such as a handle 33 or ears, may be provided on face B.

[0116] Returning to side A, the end of insertion results in an electrical connection for each of the two terminals, positive B1 and negative B2, of the module; this connection will be detailed later. Furthermore, the end of insertion optionally results in a fluid connection for the cooling circuit, comprising two circuits: a supply circuit and a return circuit. More specifically, the local circuit within a module includes an input marked F1 and an output F2, each designed to be connected to one of the corresponding collectors FC1 and FC2 provided in the battery tray. These collectors can be integrated, if necessary, into a raised edge or the bottom 10 of the battery pack.

[0117] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a locking system with a vertically mounted, movable latch 47 that can be pushed downwards by ramp effect when the hook-shaped element 34 fixed to the front face of the module comes into contact with the latch. The latch 47 is returned upwards by a return spring 49 once the shoulder of the latch has been passed over by the hook-shaped element of the module, thus locking it.

[0118] More specifically, the hook shape 34 of the module includes an anti-retraction shoulder 35. When locking, the bolt 45 of the latch anchors itself against this anti-retraction shoulder 35, and thus immobilizes the module in its fully inserted position.

[0119] The latch 47 is received sliding in a base 44 fixed to a rising edge of the battery tray. The spring 49 is housed in a cylindrical barrel 48 inside the body of the latch.

[0120]

[0100] To unlock the locking system, the latch 47 must then be pushed downwards; this can be done using a finger or any tool.

[0121] Note that cover 3 is not present when swapping battery modules.

[0122] Figure 9 illustrates a similar example to that of Figure 8 with an identical or similar spring-mounted latch system. In this case, the latch system rests on the bottom of the tray.

[0123] To unlock it, a tool (8), for example a long screwdriver, must be used and inserted from the top. In this configuration, the base (44) rests on the bottom of the tray (10). The anti-removal shoulder (35) faces upwards, and the bolt (45) prevents the module from being raised.

[0124] Vertical insertion

[0125]

[0105] Figures 6, 12 and 13 illustrate the locking system when the movement of the coupling Tb is oriented along the vertical direction Z.

[0126]

[0106] The lower face 25 (zone A here) is where the electrical and fluid couplings are made at the end of the movement. The electrical and cooling fluid interfaces are therefore arranged on the lower face 25 of the module.

[0127] The latch system illustrated in Figure 12 is similar mutatis mutandis to that already described for horizontal insertion in Figures 8 and 9, except that it is rotated 90° and therefore extends mainly in the horizontal X direction.

[0128] [1 Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the retention mechanism, based on a toggle latch system. The toggle 43 is mounted to pivot about an axis A4, and is returned in the counterclockwise direction by a return spring 49. Here too, the anti-retraction shoulder 35 faces upwards and the hook 41 prevents the module from rising.

[0129] [1 The rocker 43 is pivoted clockwise by the ramp effect provided by the hook 41 of the module cooperating back-to-back with the hook 45 of the rocker.

[0130] For unlocking, as illustrated, a screwdriver-type tool is used, inserted through a pre-drilled hole in the rising edge of the battery pack. The tip of the tool 8 pushes the lever 46 opposite the hook to rotate the rocker clockwise, against the return of the spring 49.

[0131] The same toggle latch system is shown in Figure 15 in the configuration of a horizontal insertion.

[0132] Figure 15 also shows the automatic couplings of the two electrical paths B1, B2, and of the two liquid cooling circuit paths F1, F2, these systems being detailed in the following paragraphs.

[0133] Other characteristics

[0134] As illustrated in Figure 16, the electrical connection system includes, for each of the two electrical paths, on the module side a male connection pin 51 and on the bottom of the tray (or the rising rim) side a female connection pin 52. The left part of Figure (a) illustrates the pins before mating and the right part of Figure (b) illustrates the situation after mating.

[0135] The male pin 51 can be round or flat in section, the shape of the female pin 52 is of course corresponding in shape.

[0136] The male pin 51 is protected by a protective surround 53. Similarly, the female pin 52 is protected by a protective surround 54. The protective surrounds 53, 54 form a mechanical protection of the pins and are designed to fit into each other as illustrated in Figure 16 on the right.

[0137] As illustrated in Figure 19, busbars 93 are planned to form electrical collectors, in a serial mode module connection scheme.

[0138] As illustrated in Figure 20, a positive busbar 92 and a negative busbar 91 are provided, forming the respective electrical collectors, in a parallel mode module connection scheme.

[0139] Regarding the method of electrical connection, it should finally be noted that it is not excluded to use a conventional connection based on complementary connectors which are coupled by a manual operation.

[0140]

[0120] As illustrated in Figure 17, the fluid connection system 6 is intended to couple the module's internal cooling circuit with a general cooling circuit.

[0141] Within a module, as schematically illustrated in Figure 22, the large walls opposite the large faces of the cells are equipped with coils 27, 28 that circulate the cooling fluid. In the example shown, there are only two cells 71, 72, but there could be more.

[0142] The circulation of the cooling fluid within the module could also be different, for example by bathing the ends of each cell. For the fluid connection system between the module and its immediate surroundings, a male fitting 61 is provided, adapted to be received into a female fitting 62. The left side of Figure 17(a) illustrates the fittings before coupling, and the right side of Figure 17(b) illustrates the situation after coupling.

[0143] In the illustrated example, an O-ring 63 is provided to ensure a seal between the male end 61 and the female end 62.

[0144]

[0125] Figure 18 illustrates an example of an embodiment of the fluid lines 97, 98 provided in the battery tray, these lines forming collectors FC1, FC2 with respect to the supply of each of the modules with cooling fluid. The lines in question 97, 98 can be formed inside a rim or several uprights of the battery tray. In the case of a vertical insertion, the lines in question 97, 98 can be formed inside the bottom 10 of the battery tray.

[0145] As illustrated in Figure 14, the retention system can be a strong indexing system with retraction release, the force required for retraction being greater than the force required for insertion.

[0146]

[0127] In this embodiment, an anti-retraction shoulder 36 with an inclined face is provided, which allows the latch to retract under a significant force in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. It should be noted that the latch hook 37 also has an inclined face, which enables the ramp effect in the retraction direction. The other elements of the latch system are identical or similar to those described previously with reference to Figure 8.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 21, rail 31 can have various cross-sections. In the example in the part marked (a), rail 31a has a T-shaped cross-section, which cooperates by complementary shapes with a groove of corresponding shape in the lower face of the module.

[0148] In the example in the part marked (b), the rail 31 b has a mushroom-shaped section which cooperates by complementary shapes with a correspondingly shaped groove in the lower face of the module.

[0149]

[0130] In the example with the part marked (c), the rail 31c has a right-angled cross-section. As illustrated in Figure 10, a groove 38 is then provided in the lower face of the module.

[0150] In the example with section (d), rail 31d is located between two adjacent modules and has a right-angled cross-section. In the example with section (e), rail 31e is located between two adjacent modules and has a T-shaped cross-section. In the example with section (f), rail 31f is located between two adjacent modules and has a mushroom-shaped cross-section.

[0151] Referring back to Figure 15, we can see that the locking system can be located in area B of the module, that is, on the side opposite the one with the automatic electrical and fluid connections. Unlocking is then accessible through direct operation by a technician.

[0152] A person skilled in the art understands that, instead of the electrical connection system described, any other electrical coupling or coupling system between the module and the battery tray may be used. Similarly, instead of the fluid connection system described, any other fluid line coupling or coupling system between the module and the battery tray may be used. Referring back to Figure 22, the cell terminals, also known in the trade as "tabs," marked 74, are connected to each other by a screw or crimping system. The cell terminals are not soldered together, which allows the cells to be easily separated in order to replace only one or more faulty cells within a module.

[0153]

[0135] Each module may have a weight between 2 kilos and 12 kilos without these values ​​being limiting.

[0154]

[0136] Figure 23 illustrates another solution for a reversible retention system. A U-shaped stirrup 81 is pivotally mounted about an axis A8 connected and rigidly fixed to the battery tray. A tenon 82 is connected and rigidly fixed to module 2. In the illustrated example, the module moves from left to right for coupling and from right to left for retraction. An elastic return system is provided, based on a roller 83 pushed upwards by a spring 87. The roller 83 bears against the base of the stirrup.

[0155] The roller 83 is mounted on an axle 84 on which the spring 87 presses.

[0156] In the part marked (a) in figure 23, the stirrup-shaped rocker 81 is in angular stop to the left on the stop 85, it is ready to receive the tenon 82.

[0157] The part marked (b) in Figure 23 represents the maximum compression angular position of the spring, i.e. the tipping point between a return to the left and a return to the right.

[0158]

[0140] The advancement of the module of its tenon 82 to the right causes the rocker to rotate clockwise.

[0159] In the part marked (c) of figure 23, the stirrup-shaped rocker 81 is in the maximum position and is in angular stop to the right on the stop 86.

[0160] We note that the maximum angular deflection to the right is greater than the maximum angular deflection to the left, which allows us to obtain a withdrawal force greater than the force required to fully insert the module into its location.

[0161] The tilting bracket solution shown above can be used in a horizontal module insertion configuration or in a vertical module insertion configuration.

[0162] It is also noted that it is possible to arrange this solution on one side of one of the long faces of the module and the retention / locking system can be located halfway along the length.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Battery pack comprising a battery tray (1) including a base (10) and raised edges (11, 12), the battery tray being located in an orthogonal spatial coordinate system comprising a vertical direction (Z), a first horizontal direction called longitudinal (X) and a second horizontal direction called transverse (Y), the base generally extending along the longitudinal and transverse directions - the bottom being equipped with at least one guiding element, such as a rail or low walls, extending along the longitudinal direction (X) and projecting vertically upwards from the bottom, - the battery pack comprising a plurality of removable electric battery modules (2), each module being able to be individually inserted or removed from the pack along an insertion direction (T,Ta,Tb) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y), each inserted module being in mechanical contact interface with at least one of the guide elements along the transverse direction (Y), so as to prevent movement along the transverse direction (Y), characterized in that a retention system (4) is provided arranged on the tray to hold the module in the insertion stop along the insertion direction, and in that an electrical connection system (5) is provided configured to connect each of the two electrical terminals of the module to a busbar, re-establishment of electrical contacts, namely positive and negative, being preferably carried out automatically by coupling at the end of the insertion movement.

2. Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the insertion direction (T) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the guide element is formed as a rail (31) extending along the longitudinal direction (X), then referred to as the sliding direction, the battery module being guided by sliding along the rail.

3. Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the rail (31) has a T-shaped or mushroom-head shaped section.

4. Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the insertion direction (T) is parallel to the vertical direction (Z), the guide element is formed as one or more walls (32) on the bottom wall of the battery tray, in order to wedge the module in the transverse direction after insertion of the modules in the top-down direction.

5. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein there is provided for the optional module a fluid connection system (6) configured to couple an internal cooling circuit of the module with a general cooling circuit.

6. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fluid connection system (6) comprises a coupling of two fluid connections (F1, F2) made automatically at the end of the insertion movement.

7. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fluid connection system is a connection system for liquid.

8. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupling of the fluid fitting can be carried out automatically at the end of the insertion movement.

9. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the retention system is a locking system unlocked via a specific manual action or by means of an unlocking tool.

10. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the retention system is a strong indexing system with retraction release, the force required for retraction being greater than the force required for insertion.

11. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the electrical connection system includes on the module side a male connection pin (51) and includes on the bottom of the tray side a female connection pin (52).

12. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the battery pack also includes a cover which extends parallel to the bottom of the battery tray and is arranged opposite the bottom, the cover (3) being configured to be removable, in particular when battery modules are being exchanged.

13. Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each guide element can be formed by a spacer interposed between two adjacent battery modules.

14. Motor vehicle, electric or hybrid, comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. Motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the battery pack (PB) is arranged in an area of ​​the vehicle floor, and configured to be removed from underneath the vehicle, for repair purposes, in particular for repair or exchange of one or more modules.

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