IT202000031886A1 - ARTICULATED RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK - Google Patents

Description

?ARTICULATED RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK?

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of rechargeable batteries and in particular relates to an articulated rechargeable battery pack which can be used for example and without thereby introducing any limitation in electric or hybrid vehicles.

STATE OF ART

[0002] How? known in many technological fields ? the widespread use of rechargeable battery packs. Despite this wide diffusion, the known systems for recharging or replacing the rechargeable battery packs nevertheless have some drawbacks. There? occurs above all, but not exclusively, in cases in which the battery packs have significant dimensions and/or weights.

[0003] For example, ? known that in the field of mobility? electric or hybrid transport vehicles are establishing themselves with increasing success.

[0004] The aforesaid transport vehicles comprise at least one rechargeable battery pack capable of powering an electric machine which acts as a single propulsion unit in electric vehicles or as an auxiliary propulsion unit in hybrid vehicles, in which it is in fact flanked by a heat engine. In hybrid vehicles, when is the vehicle propulsion? supplied by the heat engine, the aforementioned electric machine is used as a generator for recharging the battery pack.

[0005] Known systems for recharging or replacing the rechargeable battery pack of an electric or hybrid vehicle, however, have some drawbacks.

[0006] For recharging operations ? known to use plug-in type charging stations, the cio? equipped with a plug connector, generally provided at one end? of an electric cable, which is plugged into a recharging socket provided on board the hybrid or electric transport vehicle. These recharging stations can be public and in this case, for example, the stations are located in squares or along roadsides or in car parks. In this case we speak of outdoor charging stations. Charging stations can also be installed in closed and private places, for example in garages. In this case, we speak instead of indoor charging stations. Charging operations using plug-in charging stations are generally slow and are particularly burdensome in terms of the load exerted on public or domestic electricity grids.

[0007] To speed up the recharging operations and to somehow relieve the load exerted on the public or domestic electricity grids, solutions have been developed which provide for a relatively rapid exchange of the discharged battery pack and its replacement en bloc with a load. Patent EP3307585B1 describes a possible example of a station for exchanging a rechargeable battery block.

[0008] Generally, to exchange the rechargeable battery pack, it must first be removed from the vehicle. And then ? it is necessary to install a charged battery pack on board the vehicle. These operations generally take place in exchange stations which must be equipped with robust and complex battery pack lifting/lowering systems, which ? generally relatively bulky and heavy. Furthermore, complex transport systems must be provided for the movement of the discharged and charged rechargeable battery packs between the battery pack warehouses and the recharging station.

[0009] Furthermore, the known systems for recharging or exchanging rechargeable battery packs, both in the transport vehicle sector and in general in other sectors, are not very efficient, because they do not allow you to individually manage the elementary batteries that make up the package, the cio? the cells. For this reason, if the battery pack needs to be recharged, the presence of unbalanced or damaged cells compromises the efficiency of the battery pack recharge on the one hand and the duration of the charge on the other. To deal with these difficulties? equalizers are provided which, in addition to their cost, involve energy losses. In the event that the battery pack has to be replaced, ? Is it possible that the discharged battery pack is prematurely selected as no longer? suitable to be loaded and therefore indicated as no longer? usable. There? it entails burdens from an economic point of view and damages from an environmental point of view.

[0010] A general purpose of the present invention? to make available rechargeable battery pack that is able to solve one or more? of the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the rechargeable battery packs of the prior art.

[0011] The aforementioned purpose, as well as other aims, which will become clearer hereinafter, are achieved by a rechargeable battery pack according to claim 1. Preferred and advantageous embodiments of said battery pack are defined in the annexed dependent claims.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of its particular embodiments made by way of example and, therefore, in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings briefly described in the following paragraphs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 shows a schematic front elevation view of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of a rechargeable battery pack comprising a plurality of of cells, in which the rechargeable battery pack? shown in a first operating configuration.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the rechargeable battery pack of figure 1, in which the battery pack ? shown in a second operating configuration.

[0015] Figure 3 shows a schematic front elevation view of a possible embodiment of a section of a cell support device of the rechargeable battery pack of figures 1 and 2.

[0016] Figure 4 shows a side plan schematic view of a possible embodiment of a transport vehicle on which it can be installed the battery pack of figures 1-3, in which in this figure ? Also shown is a battery pack swap station.

[0017] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the transport vehicle and the switching station of figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In figure 1 ? shown is an exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment of a rechargeable battery pack 1, for example installable on board electric or hybrid transport vehicles. The rechargeable battery pack 1 comprises a plurality of rechargeable cells 2 electrically interconnected to each other, preferably connected in series to each other.

[0019] It should be noted that figure 1 could also represent only a portion of this rechargeable battery pack 1, since the rechargeable battery pack 1 can include a much greater number of cells 2 and therefore have a length L much greater than the height H. For example, the length L can? equal to or greater than about ten times the height H.

[0020] The rechargeable cells 2 are preferably lithium cells. Each rechargeable cell 2 preferably and not restrictively has a voltage equal to approximately 4V, for example a voltage comprised between 3V and 5V, for example a voltage equal to 3.7V.

[0021] In the particular example shown in the figures, the rechargeable cells 2 form clusters of cells 2a each comprising two rechargeable cells 2. Within the clusters of cells 2a, the two rechargeable cells 2 of the cluster 2a are preferably stacked together. Clearly, each cluster of cells 2a could be a degenerate cluster and comprise a single rechargeable cell 2 or it could be a cluster comprising several? of two rechargeable cells 2, for example three cells 2 or four cells 2, etc. Preferably, the rechargeable cells 2 belonging to the same cluster 2a are connected in series to each other.

[0022] In accordance with a possible non-limiting example, by selecting rechargeable cells 2, having a voltage of 3.7 V, if the rechargeable battery pack 1 comprises sixty-eight rechargeable cells 2 connected in series, the battery pack 1 generates a voltage of 251.6V. In this case, providing that each cluster 2a has two rechargeable cells 2 connected in series to each other, assuming that the rechargeable cells 2 have a height of 6cm, a width (for example a diameter) of 1.5cm, in the configuration of figure 1 the height H of the battery pack 1 ? equal to approximately 12.5 cm and the length L of the battery pack 1 ? equal to about 60 cm.

[0023] On the other hand, providing that each cluster 2a is degenerate and therefore has only one rechargeable cell 2, in the configuration of figure 1 the length L would be approximately 120cm and the height H would be approximately 6.3cm.

[0024] The rechargeable cells 2 have for example a cylindrical or prismatic shape.

[0025] The rechargeable battery pack 1 comprises at least one support device 3 of the plurality of rechargeable cells 2. In figure 1, the support device 3 ? been indicated by dotted lines, while in figure 2 for simplicity? of representation the support device 3 ? been omitted, however it must be assumed that it is also present in the rechargeable battery pack 1 of figure 2.

[0026] In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the rechargeable cells 2 are removably fixed to the support device 3, for example removably inserted into the latter, to allow the replacement of individual rechargeable cells 2 or individual clusters of cells 2a.

[0027] The rechargeable cells 2 are preferably connected electrically in series to each other, for example via electrical connection elements 5, which are, for example, or comprise electrically conductive, rigid or flexible or articulated bridges. These electrical connection elements 5, hereinafter referred to as jumpers 5 without introducing any limitation, can for example be fixed or integrated into a folding bridge support element made of electrically insulating material and supporting a plurality of elements. of jumpers 5. The jumpers 5, for example, contact the electrodes of the rechargeable cells 3 with a certain pressure force so as to guarantee continuity? and the stability? of the electrical contacts. The aforementioned pressure force can? be obtained by exploiting the?elasticity? some materials. For example, the same bridges 5 can be elastic or alternatively they can be rigid and used in combination with elements able to exert an elastic pressure force on them.

[0028] In the particular example shown in figure 1, the electrically conductive bridges 5 connect clusters 2a to each other adjacent to each other, while within the same cluster 2a the rechargeable cells 2 are connected to each other or by direct contact between electrodes thereof or by interposing an electrically conductive element (not shown in the figures), such as for example an electrically conductive plate or disc.

[0029] Support device 3 ? articulated, for example by means of hinges, so that the rechargeable battery pack 1 has a reversibly modifiable shape. In particular, can you note that, thanks to the fact that the support device 3 is articulated, the rechargeable battery pack 1 can for example assume an unfolded shape or configuration (figure 1), for example rectilinear or substantially rectilinear, and one or more? folded shapes or configurations, in which, for example, shown in figure 2, it is wrapped around himself itself e.g. spiral. These folded configurations are not limiting, since the battery pack 1 thanks to the foldability of the support device 3 could also assume a zigzag shape or be wrapped around a winding support, such as for example a roller, a drum or a tree.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support device 3 ? made of electrically insulating material, for example a plastic material capable of providing the necessary stiffness which allows the bridges 5 to exert on the electrodes of the rechargeable cells 2 the pressure indispensable for obtaining good electrical contacts.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the support device 3 comprises a plurality of of compartments 4 each capable of housing a rechargeable cell 2 or a respective cluster of cells 2a.

[0032] Preferably, the plurality of rooms 4 form at least a linear array of rooms. In the configuration of figure 1, this linear array of sofas has a rectilinear shape and in the particular example shown in the figures it comprises a plurality of of compartments 4 in pairs adjacent each one capable of housing a cluster 2a of two rechargeable cells 2 inside itself. Obviously, since? the shape of the support device 3 ? reversibly modifiable, in other configurations the linear array of rooms can? assume different shapes, such as for example the spiral shape of figure 2 or the shape of a curved linear array or the shape of a linear array having at least one straight section or at least one curved section or the shape of a linear array having at least one section of broken line.

[0033] In accordance with an advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned compartments 4 are delimited by breathable side walls, for example perforated walls or mesh walls, so as to facilitate the dissipation of the heat generated by the rechargeable cells 2.

[0034] In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support device 2 comprises an elongated ribbon element in which the aforementioned compartments 4 are defined.

[0035] With reference to figure 3, in an advantageous embodiment the elongated ribbon element comprises a plurality of of base elements 24, or cases 24, initially separated from each other and then two by two fixed together in an articulated way by means of joints 14 to define said elongated ribbon element. Each of the basic elements 24 comprises one or more? compartments 4. For example, the base elements 24 are rotatably hinged to each other in pairs, being for example connected to each other by means of joints 14 in the form of cylindrical hinges. In this case, or in general if articulated joints 14 are provided between the base elements 24, the base elements 24 can also be relatively rigid, since the support device 1 acquires its flexibility thanks to the presence of the articulated joints 14 The same applies in the case in which the basic elements 24 are connected to each other by elastically flexible joints 24, i.e. elastically foldable.

[0036] Again with reference to figure 3, for example the base elements 24 are equipped with front openings 25 which allow access to the compartments 4, each of which ? act and configured to contain one or more? rechargeable cells 2 which can be inserted into the compartments 4 and extractable from the compartments 4 through said front openings 25.

[0037] With reference to figures 4 and 5, it will be explained below is a non-limiting example of exchanging a discharged or deteriorated battery pack 1, installed on board a transport vehicle 10, with a charged battery pack 100 available at an exchange station 20. The battery pack 100 ? entirely similar in its structure to the battery pack 1 described up to now.

[0038] Is the battery pack discharged or deteriorated 1 ? installed in a housing seat of the transport vehicle 10, for example in a cavity defined in the floor of the chassis of the transport vehicle 10. The transport vehicle 10 ? for example an electric or hybrid traction car.

[0039] For example, is the flat or deteriorated battery pack 1 ? housed inside a channel defined in the transport vehicle 10 inside which the battery pack 1 ? free to slide to be extracted from the vehicle 10. In addition or alternatively, the flat battery pack 1 can? be initially wound around a winding support, such as for example a drum, installed on board the transport vehicle 10.

[0040] Exchange station 20 ? for example equipped with at least a first roller 21, to which ? is it possible to fix a portion of the end? of the discharged battery pack 1 after for example having partially removed a section of the discharged battery pack 1 from the transport vehicle 10.

[0041] The exchange station 20 comprises for example at least a first possibly motorized shaft 31 operatively connected or fixed to the first roller 21. In operation, the first motorized shaft 31 rotates to rotate the first roller 21. In this way, the battery pack exhaust 1 pu? be gradually extracted, that is? unloaded from the transport vehicle 10 and wound around the first roller 21. The first roller 21 can? also be used to insert, or generally charge, a charged battery pack 100 into the transport vehicle 10, after removing the charged battery pack. Alternatively, according to an advantageous embodiment according to the example shown in figures 3 and 4, the exchange station 20 can advantageously comprising a second roller 22 which initially supports the charged battery pack 100 before installation, ie? of loading, of the latter on board the transport vehicle 10. In this case, the extraction of the discharged battery pack 1 from the transport vehicle 10 can? take place in total or partial temporary overlap with the installation of the charged battery pack 100 on board the transport vehicle 10. The exchange station can? furthermore comprise a second motorized or idle shaft 32 operatively connected to the second roller 22.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment? It is also possible to mechanically couple the discharged rechargeable battery pack 1 to the charged rechargeable battery pack 100, so that the extraction of the discharged battery pack 1 from the transport vehicle 10 automatically causes the insertion of the charged battery pack 100 into the latter. this end, ? for example, is it possible to directly or indirectly connect a portion of the ends together? of the battery pack discharged 1 with a portion of the extremity? of the empty battery pack 100.

[0043] Referring now again to figure 1, in accordance with an advantageous embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack 1 comprises means 9 for reading the voltage of the rechargeable cells 2, for example each cell being associated or fixed with a respective means of reading 9. The aforementioned reading means 9 preferably comprise a wireless transponder, for example an RFID tag, associated with each rechargeable cell 2. In this way, once the rechargeable battery pack 1 has been removed from the transport vehicle 10, or even in time real during its extraction, ? it is advantageously possible to interrogate the reading means 9 with interrogation means to identify the rechargeable cells 2 which, instead of being recharged, require to be replaced. With reference to figures 4 and 5, for example the interrogation means can be provided in the exchange station 20, for example on the first roller 21 or in the vicinity of the same.

[0044] In a possible embodiment variant, the reading of the voltage of the rechargeable cells 2 or of the cell clusters 2a, can instead be implemented through an external reading device, for example provided on board the exchange station 20. This reading device is, for example, adapted and configured to electrically contact the electrical connection elements 5 preferably during winding of the battery pack refillable 1 on the first reel 21.

[0045] From the foregoing it is clear that a rechargeable battery pack 1 as described above makes it possible to achieve the intended aims in terms of overcoming the drawbacks of the rechargeable battery packs of the prior art. In fact, the battery pack 1 described above considerably facilitates the operations of recharging and/or replacing the battery pack. Furthermore, thanks to the possibility to replace individual cells ? possible to obtain undoubted advantages in terms of efficiency and in environmental terms.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that, although an example of installation on board a transport vehicle has been described in particular, a rechargeable battery pack 1 of the type described above can also be advantageously used in other applications. For example, it could be used in the electrical networks of domestic buildings, for example by using rechargeable cells that have lost part of their efficiency over time, since in these applications rechargeable battery packs with less performing performance than those required can be used in the automotive sector.

[0047] Without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the embodiments and details of construction may be widely varied with respect to what? It has been described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. Rechargeable battery pack (1), comprising: - a plurality? of rechargeable cells (2) electrically interconnected to each other; - at least one support device (3) of the plurality? of rechargeable cells (2); characterized in that said at least one support device (3) ? articulated so that said rechargeable battery pack (1) has a reversibly modifiable shape. The rechargeable battery pack (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holder device (3) comprises a plurality of of compartments (4) each adapted to house a respective cell (2) or a respective cluster of cells (2a). 3. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to claim 2, wherein said plurality? of rooms (4) forms at least one linear array of rooms. 4. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the support device (2) comprises an elongated ribbon element in which said compartments (4) are defined. 5. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said compartments 4 are delimited by transpiring walls. 6. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said elongated ribbon-like element comprises a plurality of of base elements (24) initially separated from each other and then two by two fixed together in an articulated way to define said elongated ribbon element. 7. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to claim 6, wherein said base elements (24) are rotatably hinged to each other. The rechargeable battery pack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (3) is? collapsible so that it can be wrapped around a drum or roller or winding shaft and/or wrapped around itself? same. 9. Rechargeable battery pack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rechargeable cells (2) are removably fixed to said support element (3) to allow the replacement of individual rechargeable cells (2) or clusters of cells (2a). 10. Electric or hybrid traction transport vehicle (10) comprising a housing seat and a rechargeable battery pack (1) according to any one of the preceding claims removably inserted in the housing seat.