FR3092527A1 - Box for electrical energy storage device for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Casing for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle The invention relates to a casing (10) for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, said casing (10) being configured to receive at least one cell (14) of storage of electrical energy, said box (10) comprising a bottom wall (26), a side wall (28) being connected to the bottom wall (26). According to the invention, the side wall (28) has at least one deformation (41) so as to define a housing (43), the housing (43) being configured to accommodate a fixing means (35). Fig. for the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Housing for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising a casing and at least one electrical energy storage cell received in the casing. The invention relates in particular to said box. The invention also relates to a box for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle.

In the automotive field, it is known to implement electric batteries in the form of modules. Each module comprises a plurality of electrical energy storage cells received in a box. This makes it easier to combine the electric batteries to obtain a desired charging capacity. It is also easier, in this way, to mount the battery on the motor vehicle, the storage cells being protected by the casing.

Document US 2011/0206967 describes an example of such a battery. In this application, the cells are stored in containers having housings for receiving the cells. A wall of the containers, intended to be in contact with a wall of a neighboring container, has recesses forming part of a conduit for the circulation of a cooling fluid.

Although such a container is suitable for containing electrical energy storage cells, the container takes up a considerable volume, in particular at the level of the interaction between the lid and the container, or the container has a rim and the lid comes attach to this edge. The edge corresponds to a lost volume for the vehicle, where each container is wider.

The invention therefore seeks to overcome this drawback and proposes an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing with a reduced volume compared to the prior art, thus allowing a gain in space in the vehicle.

1. une paroi de fond,
2. une paroi latérale se raccordant à la paroi de fond.
3. Selon l’invention, la paroi latérale, et notamment la surface de la paroi latérale, présente au moins une déformation de manière à définir un logement, le logement étant configuré pour accueillir un moyen de fixation.

For this, the invention proposes a casing for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, said casing being configured to receive at least one electrical energy storage cell, this casing comprising

1. a back wall,
2. a side wall adjoining the bottom wall.
3. According to the invention, the side wall, and in particular the surface of the side wall, has at least one deformation so as to define a housing, the housing being configured to accommodate a fixing means.

By deformation, we understand that the side wall is not flat. In other words, that the side wall is not inscribed in a single plane and that it locally comprises surface deformations, namely that at certain parts of the side wall, the latter extends along two or even three planes . It can also be said that the side wall extends in some regions, or parts, in two dimensions and in other regions, or parts, in three dimensions. A deformation according to the invention can also correspond to a recess, a depression or even a shrinkage. In other words, the side wall has a recessed region to provide a passage for a fastening means. In other words, the side wall comprises a region with a contour at least partially surrounding the fastening element.

More specifically, the side wall has a flat surface in certain regions and a curved, curved, rounded or even curved surface in other regions. We can also say that the side wall is dented.

Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to arrange a fixing means directly on the upper edge of the box, namely on the free end of the side wall, that is to say on the end of the side wall opposite the part of the side wall which is connected to the bottom wall. The fixing means being directly on the upper edge of the box, it is no longer necessary to have a rim, thus saving space.

1. la paroi latérale est reliée, ou raccordée, à la paroi de fond sur tout le pourtour de la paroi de fond ;
2. la paroi latérale présente une surface interne et un surface externe, la déformation étant agencée sur la surface externe et/ou interne ;
3. la déformation correspond à une ondulation de la surface de la paroi latérale ;
4. l’ondulation comprend un haut de vague et un creux de vague, les hauts de vagues étant agencés tout du long de la paroi latérale à des intervalles réguliers ;
5. les déformations sont de forme conique, le sommet de chaque cône étant plus proche de la paroi de fond que de la tranche supérieure ou extrémité libre de la paroi latérale ;
6. une collerette est agencée sur la tranche supérieure de la paroi latérale ;
7. le moyen de fixation correspond à un insert avec un taraudage ;
8. au moins un canal pour une circulation d’un fluide de refroidissement, ledit canal étant au moins partiellement formé par la paroi de fond ;
9. ledit canal comporte un sillon formé au moins en partie par la paroi de fond et un capot agencé pour fermer ce sillon et former ainsi le canal ;
10. le boitier comporte un matériau ductile ;

1. le boitier comporte un deuxième matériau plus résistant que le matériau ductile ;
2. un élément de connexion fluidique étant agencé pour permettre de relier le canal avec un circuit externe de fluide de refroidissement, l’élément de connexion étant au moins partiellement surmoulé sur, ou avec, la paroi de fond ou la paroi latérale. L’élément de connexion permet une connexion rapide et étanche du canal du boitier avec le circuit externe. Cet élément est de plus facile à fabriquer avec le reste du boitier, étant fixé par un surmoulage sur une paroi du boitier
3. chaque canal communique avec un élément de connexion associé, pour respectivement permettre l’alimentation ou l’évacuation de fluide réfrigérant du canal par le circuit externe ;
4. la paroi de fond comporte en outre un deuxième et troisième matériau chacun plus résistants que le matériau ductile.
5. l’élément de connexion comporte un embout avec au moins une gorge annulaire agencée pour recevoir un relief complémentaire d’un élément de connexion complémentaire de sorte que, lorsque les deux éléments de connexion sont assemblés, ils forment une connexion permettant au fluide de refroidissement de circuler entre le canal et le circuit externe ;
6. l’embout comporte un flanc tronconique pour faciliter la coopération avec l’élément de connexion complémentaire, l’embout peut être réalisé en aluminium, acier ou en matériau plastique, l’embout peut en outre comporter une rainure dans laquelle se trouve de la matière surmoulée ;
7. l’embout est agencé à travers un orifice formé dans la paroi latérale et/ou la paroi de fond ;
8. les éléments de connexion sont agencés pour être connectés l’un à l’autre par encliquetage ; l’une des extrémités du capot du canal est en regard de l’élément de connexion, dit Quick connect ;
9. le sillon communique avec au moins un orifice, notamment une pluralité d’orifices, pour faire communiquer le fluide de refroidissement avec un ou plusieurs échangeurs thermiques, ce ou ces échangeurs thermiques sont notamment chacun une plaque avec des canaux intérieurs pour la circulation de fluide de refroidissement ;
10. chaque capot couvre moins de 10%, notamment 5%, de la superficie de la paroi de fond

Other embodiments taken alone or in combination propose that:

1. the side wall is connected, or connected, to the bottom wall all around the bottom wall;
2. the side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface, the deformation being arranged on the outer and/or inner surface;
3. the deformation corresponds to an undulation of the surface of the side wall;
4. the corrugation comprises a wave top and a wave trough, the wave tops being arranged all along the side wall at regular intervals;
5. the deformations are of conical shape, the apex of each cone being closer to the bottom wall than to the upper edge or free end of the side wall;
6. a flange is arranged on the upper edge of the side wall;
7. the fixing means corresponds to an insert with a thread;
8. at least one channel for circulation of a cooling fluid, said channel being at least partially formed by the bottom wall;
9. said channel comprises a groove formed at least in part by the bottom wall and a cap arranged to close this groove and thus form the channel;
10. the housing comprises a ductile material;

1. the case comprises a second material which is stronger than the ductile material;
2. a fluidic connection element being arranged to make it possible to connect the channel with an external cooling fluid circuit, the connection element being at least partially molded onto, or with, the bottom wall or the side wall. The connection element allows a quick and tight connection of the channel of the case with the external circuit. This element is also easier to manufacture with the rest of the box, being fixed by an overmolding on a wall of the box
3. each channel communicates with an associated connection element, to respectively allow the supply or the evacuation of coolant from the channel by the external circuit;
4. the bottom wall further comprises a second and third material each more resistant than the ductile material.
5. the connection element comprises an end piece with at least one annular groove arranged to receive a complementary relief of a complementary connection element so that, when the two connection elements are assembled, they form a connection allowing the cooling fluid to circulate between the channel and the external circuit;
6. the end piece has a frustoconical side to facilitate cooperation with the complementary connection element, the end piece can be made of aluminium, steel or a plastic material, the end piece can also include a groove in which there is material molded;
7. the end piece is arranged through an orifice formed in the side wall and/or the bottom wall;
8. the connection elements are arranged to be connected to each other by snap-fastening; one of the ends of the channel cover is opposite the connection element, called Quick connect;
9. the groove communicates with at least one orifice, in particular a plurality of orifices, to cause the cooling fluid to communicate with one or more heat exchangers, this or these heat exchangers are each in particular a plate with internal channels for the circulation of cooling fluid cooling;
10. each cover covers less than 10%, in particular 5%, of the area of the bottom wall

The invention also relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising such a box and at least one electrical energy storage cell, in particular a plurality of cells, received in said box.

The hydraulic connections are fixed in a sealed manner to this box or box to circulate the cooling fluid in the channels of the box, fluid which comes from a circuit external to this box.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The illustrates, in a perspective view, a housing for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle.

The illustrates a section, according to a side view, of the box illustrated in [Fig. 1].

The illustrates a section, according to a perspective view, of a casing for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

The illustrates a section, according to a top view, of the case of the case illustrated in [Fig. 3].

The illustrates a section, according to a side view, of the case of the case illustrated in [Fig. 3].

The illustrates, in a perspective view, a box for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

The illustrates, in a perspective view, a box for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments. Similarly, in the rest of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same references. This also applies to elements of the prior art and of the present invention referring to the same objects which retain the same reference.

The illustrates a box 10 for an electrical energy storage device.

On each Fig. a trihedron XYZ is shown where the box 10 for the electrical energy storage device extends along a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y and a vertical axis Z, each axis being perpendicular to each other. For example, the X axis may correspond to the longitudinal front/rear axis of the vehicle, the Y axis may correspond to the transverse right/left axis of the vehicle, and the Z axis may correspond to the vertical axis up/ bottom of the vehicle especially when the box 10 and therefore the electrical energy storage device are installed in the motor vehicle.

The box 10 configured to receive electrical energy storage cells comprises a bottom wall 26, the bottom wall 26 comprising a composite material, at least one side wall 28 being connected to the bottom wall 26 so as to define a housing for receiving the electrical energy storage cells and at least one channel 50, here two in number, for circulation of a cooling fluid, each channel 50 being at least partially formed by the bottom wall 26.

The housing 10 further comprises fluidic connection elements 100 arranged to allow the channels 50 to be connected with an external cooling fluid circuit, not shown, each connection element 100 being at least partially molded with the bottom wall or the side wall. . Each fluidic connection element 100 of the quick-connect type, or in English "Quick connect", and comprises a tip with an annular groove arranged to receive a complementary relief of a complementary connection element, not shown, so that when the two connection elements are assembled, they form a connection allowing the cooling fluid to circulate between the channel 50 and the external circuit. The end piece may have a frustoconical side to facilitate cooperation with the complementary connection element. The end piece may further comprise a groove in which there is overmolded material of the side wall 28.

Each channel 50 includes a groove 51 formed by the bottom wall 26 and a cover 55 arranged to close this groove 51 and thus form the channel 50, the closure taking place in particular by welding this cover to the bottom wall. One of the ends of the channel cover 50 faces the connection element 100. Each channel 50 includes at least one bend.

The case 10 therefore comprises a bottom wall 26, at least one side wall 28 and a flange 30 connecting to the side wall 28. By side wall 28 is meant a wall which is connected, in other words connected, to the bottom wall 26, and this, over the entire circumference of the bottom wall 26. One can also consider the side wall 28 comprises 4 sections, or parts, connected to each other by a rounded angle 31. In the same way, the rim 30 comprises 4 sections, or parts, connected to each other by a rounded angle 33, in other words, the flange 30 is connected, or connected, to the side wall 28, and this over the entire circumference of the side wall 28 .

The bottom wall 26 extends in two directions, or in a plane, defined by the X and Y axes. In other words, the bottom wall 26 is arranged horizontally, in particular when the box 10 is installed in the motor vehicle . The side wall 28 is substantially, even perfectly, perpendicular to the bottom wall 26. The side wall 28, or each side of the side wall 28, extends in two directions, or in a plane, defined by the axes Z and X and/or Z and Y so as to define a housing for the battery cells 14. In other words, the side wall 28 is arranged vertically, in particular when the box 10 is installed in the motor vehicle. Finally, the flange 30 is substantially, even perfectly, perpendicular to the side wall 28. In other words, the flange 30 extends in two directions, or in a plane, defined by the axes X and Y. In other words, the flange 30 is arranged horizontally, in particular when the box 10 is installed in the motor vehicle, that is to say that the plane where the bottom wall 26 extends and the plane or the rim 30 extends are substantially , or even perfectly, parallel, as illustrated in the . We can also say that the box 10 has a profile section with two bends, or in the shape of an S.

As illustrated in , fixing means 35 are arranged on the flange 30. In order to allow the fixing of a cover on the box 10, it is necessary to arrange fixing means 35 on the box 10, or here, the only available space corresponds to the surface of the flange 30. The fixing means 35 here correspond to a tapped hole.

Gold therefore understands that to arrange fixing means 35, a case of a certain width (or length) is required with an excess referenced here R corresponding to the rim 30. In addition, as can be seen on the , the box 10 must also include reinforcing ribs 37 in order to stiffen the structure of the box 10.

1. une paroi de fond 26, comme décrit précédemment pour le boitier de la [Fig. 1], à savoir qu’elle s’étend selon deux directions, ou dans un plan, définit par les axes X et Y comme illustré en [Fig. 3]. Autrement dit, la paroi de fond 26 est agencée à l’horizontal notamment lorsque le boitier 10 est installé dans le véhicule automobile,
2. une paroi latérale 28 se raccordant, ou se reliant, à la paroi de fond 26, la paroi latérale 28 est sensiblement, voire parfaitement, perpendiculaire à la paroi de fond 26. La paroi latérale 28, ou chaque pan de la paroi latérale 28, s’étend selon deux directions, ou dans un plan, définit par les axes Z et X et/ou Z et Y de manière. Autrement dit la paroi de latérale 28 est agencée à la verticale notamment lorsque le boitier 10 est installé dans le véhicule automobile. Tout comme pour le boitier de la [Fig. 1], la paroi latérale 28 est reliée à la paroi de fond 26 sur tout le pourtour de la paroi de fond 26.

The box 10 according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the width of the box as illustrated in and proposes to do away with the rim 30. For this, the box 10 according to the invention proposes arranging the fixing means 35 directly on the side wall 28. For this, the invention proposes a box 10 for a storage device of electrical energy for a motor vehicle, said box being configured to receive at least one cell 14 for storing electrical energy, the box 10 comprising

1. a bottom wall 26, as previously described for the case of [Fig. 1], namely that it extends in two directions, or in a plane, defined by the axes X and Y as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In other words, the bottom wall 26 is arranged horizontally, in particular when the box 10 is installed in the motor vehicle,
2. a side wall 28 joining, or connecting, to the bottom wall 26, the side wall 28 is substantially, even perfectly, perpendicular to the bottom wall 26. The side wall 28, or each side of the side wall 28, extends in two directions, or in a plane, defined by the axes Z and X and/or Z and Y so. In other words, the side wall 28 is arranged vertically, in particular when the box 10 is installed in the motor vehicle. Just as for the case of [Fig. 1], the side wall 28 is connected to the bottom wall 26 all around the bottom wall 26.

According to the invention, the surface of the side wall 28 has at least one deformation 41 so as to define a housing 43, the housing 43 being configured to accommodate a fixing means 35.

The box 10 according to the invention thus makes it possible to reduce the width of the box as illustrated in since by getting rid of the rim 30, the width passes from a dimension R to a dimension T with T <R.

The side wall 28 includes an end connected to the bottom wall 26 and a free end. Given that the side wall 28 extends in a vertical plane, the free end therefore corresponds to an upper edge, the bottom wall 26 being the lower part of the box 10 along the vertical axis Z of the storage device. electric power for motor vehicle. In other words, the box 10 according to the invention corresponds to a box comprising a side wall 28, with at least 4 sides connected by rounded edges 31, defining a frame with two openings on either side, a bottom wall 26 closing one of the openings of said frame. Thus, the upper edge, or the free end, corresponds to the end of the side wall 28 opposite to that connected to the bottom wall 26. The box 10 thus defines an internal volume in which are housed the cells 14 which are arranged between the sides of the side wall 28 and against the bottom wall 26. A cover can be attached to the box 10, in particular to the side wall 28 which comprises fastening means 35 so that the cells 14 are contained in a closed box .

The box 10 according to the invention is such that the side wall 28, in particular each side of the side wall 28, is not uniformly flat. In other words, the side wall 28, in particular each side of the side wall 28, is not inscribed in a single and unique plane, and that it locally includes plane deformations. In other words, the side wall 28 extends in two, or even three, planes in certain regions or parts. It can also be said that the side wall 28 extends in certain regions, or parts, along two dimensions and in other regions, or parts, along three dimensions.

More precisely, the side wall 28 has an internal surface 28a and an external surface 28b, the deformation 41 is arranged on the external surface 28b and/or internal 28a as illustrated in . The internal surface 28a is defined with respect to the internal volume of the case, that is to say the volume where the energy storage cells 14 are intended to be arranged.

As illustrated on the and [Fig. 4], the deformation 41 corresponds to an undulation of the surface of the side wall 28. This undulation may be present only on the external surface 28b, the internal surface 28a being flat, or vice versa, or even the undulation may be present on the outer 28b and inner 28a surface. The undulation comprises a top of the wave 47, namely a culminating point, and a hollow of the wave 45. It is understood that the top of the wave 47 corresponds to the point of the deformation 41 furthest from the plane in which the side wall is inscribed. 28 in a flat region, while the troughs 45 correspond to the points of the deformation 41 which are inscribed in the same plane as the side wall 28 in a flat region. Wave tops 47 are arranged all along side wall 28 at regular intervals as shown in [Fig. 4], in other words the wave troughs 45 are of equal dimensions, in particular lengths. According to another embodiment not illustrated, the wave tops 47 are arranged all along the side wall 28 at irregular intervals, in other words the wave troughs 45 have different dimensions, in particular lengths. The intervals are between 20 and 90 mm. It is understood that the deformation, in particular the undulation, defines an empty space, that is to say the housing 43, present between the single or the two wave tops 47 arranged on either side of the side wall 28. In other words, the top of the wave 47 on the internal surface 28a and/or the top of the wave 47 on the external surface 28b define to them an empty space, that is to say the housing 43, between the two top of wave 47 or the top of wave 47 and the flat surface of the side wall 28.

It is understood that the side wall 28 is flat, that is to say is inscribed in a plane or has a flat surface, in certain regions (wave trough) and a curved, curved, rounded or even curved surface, in d other regions (top of wave). One can also say that the side wall 28 is dented.

The box 10 according to the invention comprises deformations 41 of conical shape, the top of each cone being closer to the bottom wall 26 than to the upper edge, or free end, of the side wall 28. Such a shape makes it possible to stiffen the assembly so that it is possible to dispense with the reinforcing ribs. Of course, the deformations can be cylindrical in shape with an elliptical, triangular, rectangular section, or any other polygonal shape. The top of the deformation 41 in the shape of a cone or cylinder defines the housing 43 .

The fixing means 35 correspond to an insert with a thread, that is to say an insert with a threaded hole, in particular with a diameter of between 5 and 10 mm. This is introduced into the housing 43 intended to accommodate it. In order to maintain the fixing means 35 within the casing 10, the casing may further comprise a collar 49 arranged on the upper edge, or free end, of the side wall 28. The collar 49 corresponds to a gasket overmoulded on the edge upper part of the side wall 28, intended to hold the fastening means 35 within the housing 43. It is possible to arrange other fastening means such as clips, threaded rods, etc.

The box 10 according to the invention comprises the same elements as the box 10 illustrated in namely at least one channel 50 with fluid connection elements 100 and a cover 55 as described above.

The box 10 forms the lower part of the compartment which, with a lid, receives 14 battery cells. The box 10 and the cover are for example each made from a sheet of composite material, in particular comprising glass fibers, possibly as a variant carbon fibers or fibers of another nature, pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin. .

According to the invention, the casing 10 comprises a ductile material as defined above having an elongation at break greater than or equal to 50%, that is to say able to withstand a large plastic deformation preferably has a tensile capacity greater than 50%.

Since the bottom wall 26 must support the electrical energy storage cells, this wall should be made of a second material, namely a second resistant material having a tensile elastic limit greater than 350 MPa. The bottom wall 26 can be made of a third so-called assembly material having in particular a modulus of elasticity of between 4 GPa and 12 GPa and an elastic limit of between 70 MPa and 150 MPa. Thus the bottom wall 26 is stronger than the ductile material.

Thus to summarize the case 10 according to the invention comprises at least two materials, a first ductile material and a second material more resistant than the first material. The casing 16 may also comprise a third material which is stronger than the ductile material. This particular combination of materials makes it possible to withstand heavy loads and temperature constraints while ensuring optimal sealing. In addition, it provides better protection for the battery from possible shocks due to the throwing of stones and/or pebbles when using the vehicle.

The illustrates an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising a box 10 according to the invention in which a plurality of electrical energy storage cells 14 are arranged.

The illustrates a variant of the electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising a box 10 according to the invention in which are arranged a plurality of cells 14 for storing electrical energy. In this embodiment, the box 10 further comprises additional fixing means 51 which are arranged on the external surface 28b of the side wall 28. More particularly, the additional fixing means 51 are arranged on the external surface 28b between the part connected to the bottom wall 26 and the upper edge. These additional fastening means 51 include inserts with a thread, clips, etc.

Claims (9)

Box (10) for an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, said box (10) being configured to receive at least one electrical energy storage cell (14), said box (10) comprising

1. a bottom wall (26),
2. a side wall (28) connecting to the bottom wall (26),
3. characterized in that the side wall (28) has at least one deformation (41) so as to define a housing (43), said housing (43) being configured to receive a fixing means (35).

A casing (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to claim 1, in which the side wall (28) is connected to the bottom wall (26) over the entire circumference of the bottom wall (26). Box (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the side wall (28) has an internal surface (28a) and an external surface (28b), the deformation (41) being arranged on the external (28b) and / or internal (28a) surface. A casing (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the deformation (41) corresponds to an undulation of the surface (28a, 28b) of the side wall (28) A housing (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to claim 4 wherein the ripple comprises a wave top (47) and a wave trough (45), the wave tops (47) being arranged all the way through. along the side wall (28) at regular intervals. Box (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the deformations (41) are of conical shape, the top of each cone being closer to the bottom wall (26) than to the upper edge of the side wall (28) Housing (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a collar (49) is arranged on the upper edge of the side wall (28). Housing (10) for an electrical energy storage device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing means (35) corresponds to an insert with an internal thread. An electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle, comprising a box (10) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cell (14) for storing electrical energy, received in said box (10).