Device for supporting a power storage assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding power storage assemblies (3), arranged side by side in a power storage module, in position, the device including: a plate (1) made of an electrically insulating material and extending along a main plane (P); recesses (2) provided in the plate, wherein each recess is to receive a respective power storage assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the storage assembly extends perpendicular to the main plane (P); and at least one holder made of an insulating material and intended for receiving an electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least one power storage assembly to an electronic board of the module.

Claims

1. A device for supporting power storage assemblies positioned side by side in a power storage module, the device including: a plate made of an electrically insulating material and extending along a principal plane, recesses formed in the plate, each recess for accommodating a respective power storage assembly, so that the longitudinal axis of the storage assembly extends essentially perpendicular to the principal plane, each recess having a through opening, at least one support made of electrically insulating material for accommodating electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least one power storage assembly to an electronic card of the module, wherein the shape of each of the through openings corresponds to the cross-section shape of the respective electrical power storage assembly taken at the level of its lateral face in its central portion, the dimensions of the through opening being such that said through opening allows nesting by force of the respective power storage assembly into said opening, wherein the device includes a base for accommodation of the electronic card of the module and attachment means for attaching the electronic card to said base, this base comprising a panel extending perpendicularly to the plate at one of the ends thereof and such that it extends to either side of the plate, the support, the plate and the base being a single unit.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the, or at least one of the supports includes at least one chamber extending essentially perpendicular to the plate, each chamber being suitable for accommodating a respective electrical connection plug.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein each chamber is open at one end and includes a tie for attaching the electrical connection plug.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the, or at least one of the supports includes guide means made of electrically insulating material extending toward the outside of the plate for guiding along a passage channel a cable provided on the device, a least one connecting cable capable of electrically connecting at least one storage assembly to the electronic card.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the guide means include two fingers extending perpendicular to the plate and positioned on either side of the cable passage channel.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein each finger includes an excrescence extending parallel to the plate in the direction of the cable passage channel so as to allow clipping and support of the cable between said fingers.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the, or at least one of the supports is integrated with the plate, the electrical connection means being embedded in the assembly consisting of the support and of the plate.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein each recess also includes at least one shimming wall for shimming and centering the device on the power storage assemblies, said shimming wall being positioned at the opening and extending perpendicular to the plate.

9. The device according to claim 8, said device also includes at least one shank extending perpendicular to the plate over one of its faces, said shank being suitable for coming into contact with a wall of the power storage module to allow shimming of the device within the power storage module.

10. The device according to claim 1, said device also includes coupling means located at the edge of the plate for fastening said device to another supporting device according to one of the preceding claims.

11. The device according to claim 1, said device also includes means for attaching a sensor on the device.

12. The device according to claim 1, said device also includes at least one wall essentially perpendicular to the plate and at the edge of the plate to electrically isolate the power storage assemblies from the walls of the power storage module.

13. The device according to claim 1, including means extending essentially perpendicular to the principal plane for guiding reinforcements intended to link two opposite walls of the module.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it integrates: at least one electronic card, and/or at least one electrical connection plug at a terminal of an assembly, and/or at least one connection plug to the electronic card, and/or at least one connecting cable for connecting the terminal of the assembly to the electronic card, and/or at least one sensor.

15. A power storage module including a housing wherein are arranged at least two electrical power storage assemblies, wherein the module includes a supporting device for supporting power storage assemblies positioned side by side in a power storage module, the device including: a plate made of an electrically insulating material and extending along a principal plane, recesses formed in the plate, each recess for accommodating a respective power storage assembly, so that the longitudinal axis of the storage assembly extends essentially perpendicular to the principal plane, each recess including a through opening, at least one support made of electrically insulating material for accommodating electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least one power storage assembly to an electronic card of the module, each assembly being positioned in a respective opening and protruding from the plate of the device on either side thereof, wherein a shape of each of the through openings corresponds to the cross-section shape of the respective electrical power storage assembly taken at the level of its lateral face in its central portion, the dimensions of the through opening being such that said through opening allows nesting by force of the respective power storage assembly into said opening, the respective power storage assembly extending to either side of the opening, wherein the supporting device includes a base for accommodation of the electronic card of the module and attachment means for attaching the electronic card to said base, this base comprising a panel extending perpendicularly to the plate at one of the ends thereof and such that it extends to either side of the plate, the support, the plate and the base being a single unit.

16. The module according to claim 15, wherein the, or at least two adjoining assemblies are electrically connected by means of a connection link positioned on two end faces of the assemblies and extending essentially parallel to the plate when the assemblies are placed in the supporting device, wherein the device includes a connection plug positioned in the chamber, said connection plug being able to cooperate with a tongue situated protruding from the connection link, essentially perpendicular to the link.

17. A method for manufacturing a module including a housing wherein are arranged at least two electrical power storage assemblies, wherein the module includes a supporting device for supporting power storage assemblies positioned side by side in a power storage module, the supporting device including: a plate made of an electrically insulating material and extending along a principal plane, recesses formed in the plate, each recess being suitable for accommodating a respective power storage assembly, so that the longitudinal axis of the storage assembly extends essentially perpendicular to the principal plane, each recess having a through opening, wherein the shape of each of the through openings corresponds to the cross-section shape of the respective electrical power storage assembly taken at the level of its lateral face in its central portion, the dimensions of the through opening being such that said through opening allows nesting by force of the respective power storage assembly into said opening, at least one support made of electrically insulating material for accommodating electrical connection means for electrically connecting at least one power storage assembly to an electronic card of the module, a base for accommodation of the electronic card of the module and attachment means for attaching the electronic card to said base, this base comprising a panel extending perpendicularly to the plate at one of the ends thereof and such that it extends to either side of the plate, the support, the plate and the base being a single unit, the method including the following steps: inserting by force each storage assembly into a respective through opening of a supporting device such that, each assembly protrudes from the plate of the device on either side thereof, electrically connecting a connection link to electrically connect two adjoining storage assemblies to connection means positioned at the supporting device, to electrically connect the connection link to an electronic card of the module soldering the connection link to two adjoining storage assemblies to electrically connect said adjoining storage assemblies, attaching the electronic card to the base.

18. The manufacturing method according claim 17, said method also including positioning the connection means on the supporting device, said positioning step including: placing a connecting cable on a plate of the device using guide means extending perpendicular to the plate, placing a connection plug in a chamber of the device, electrical connection of the connecting cable to the connection plug.

Description

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Other features, goals and advantages of the present invention will yet appear from the description that follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and must be read with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates schematically and in perspective one embodiment of a supporting device for electrical power storage assemblies,

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates schematically and in perspective another embodiment of a supporting device for electrical power storage assemblies,

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates schematically in section and in perspective one chamber of the supporting device,

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates schematically two adjoining power storage assemblies, connected by means of a connection link,

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates schematically a plurality of power storage assemblies mounted on the supporting device,

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a detail of the supporting device, showing means for guiding a cable,

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a detail of the supporting device, showing a clip of the holding device for attaching a sensor thereon,

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a clamp of the supporting device for guiding a cable,

(10) FIG. 9 shows a base of the supporting device,

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates the steps of a method for manufacturing a module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(12) Different embodiments of the supporting device will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 9, as well as an example of the manufacturing method for a storage assembly with reference to FIG. 10. In these different figures, the equivalent elements of the supporting device bear the same numerical references.

(13) 1. Supporting Device

(14) With reference to FIG. 1, the supporting device includes a plate 1, six recesses and a support.

(15) The plate extends substantially within a principal plane (P). This plate is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

(16) The recesses 2 are formed in the plate 1. Each recess 2 is intended to receive one (or more) power storage assembly(ies) 3. When the storage assemblies 3 are inserted into the recesses, the longitudinal axes of the storage assemblies extend perpendicular to the principal plane P.

(17) The support is intended to accommodate the connection means, and in particular the connecting cables allowing connection of an electronic card (not shown) of a module to the power storage assemblies.

(18) The presence of the support makes it possible to facilitate positioning of the connection means of the assemblies to an electronic card used for managing and balancing the electrical characteristics of the storage assemblies, particularly by defining passage channels for the connecting cables extending between the electronic card and the different storage assemblies.

(19) 1.1. Support

(20) The support is made of an insulating material such as plastic. Preferably, the support and the plate are a single unit and are obtained by molding.

(21) The support can includeseparately or in combinationone (or more) chamber(s) 11 or recesses to accommodate connecting plugs, as well as cable guide means such as holding tabs 112 and/or one (or more) guide(s) 113.

(22) 1.1.1. Means for Accommodating Connecting Plugs

(23) 1.1.1.1. Chamber (Connecting Plug at One Terminal of the Assembly)

(24) As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5, each chamber 11 is intended to accommodate a respective electrical connecting plug 4, as for example a female connecting plugsuch as an Easton socketfor insertion of a complementary male connector 101 electrically connected to an electrical power storage assembly 3. Such a complementary male connector is arranged on the connection link connecting two storage assemblies. As is more clearly visible in FIG. 4, the link connects the two assemblies by being placed on their end faces (here, the lower face), essentially parallel to the plane P. The male connector 101 consists of a blade extending perpendicular to the plane of the link.

(25) The presence of chambers containing a connecting plug makes it possible to define connection zones of the storage assemblies prior to assembling the module and more precisely prior to insertion of the storage assemblies in the respective recesses of the supporting device.

(26) Thus it is possible to position connecting cables 5 connecting the electronic card to each connecting plug prior to insertion of the storage assemblies into the recesses 2.

(27) This makes it possible to reduce the time required for assembling an electrical power storage module.

(28) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the support includes six chambers each intended to accommodate a respective connecting plug for electrical connection of six storage assemblies to the electronic card.

(29) Each chamber 11 extends toward the outside of the plate 1, perpendicular to the principal plane P.

(30) Each chamber 11 consists of four walls forming a rectangular chimney wherein is inserted a respective connecting plug. Each chamber includes an end connected to the plate and a free opposite end. The chamber is open at each of its ends.

(31) Advantageously, each chamber can include a tie 111 on one of its inner walls. This tie 111 protrudes toward the interior of the chimney, parallel to the principal plane P of the plate. It makes it possible to fasten the connection plug inside the chamber.

(32) The tie 111 can have a leading edge that is inclined relative to the wall on which it protrudes, facing the free end of the chamber, through which the connector 101 is inserted into the chamber 11. This makes it possible to facilitate the insertion of the connector into the chamber.

(33) Preferably, the wall of the tie opposite to the inclined wall extends perpendicular to the wall on which the tie 111 protrudes. This makes it possible to provide better locking into position of the connecting plug one it is inserted into the chamber 11.

(34) 1.1.1.2. Recess (Plug for Connecting to the Electronic Card)

(35) As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 9 in particular, the supporting device also includes a recess 15 for accommodating a plug 16, connecting to an electronic card, capable of cooperating with suitable pins of the electronic card.

(36) Such a recess 15 is present on a panel 61 perpendicular to the plate 1 located at the periphery of the plate. The recess 15 includes edges to support the connector. A clearance 17 can also be provided in proximity thereto to facilitate insertion of the connecting plug. Here the clearance tightens toward the recess 15 to guide the connecting plug and to be suited for the case of an automated process.

(37) 1.1.2. Means for Guiding Cables

(38) The guide means are intended to support one or more of the connecting cables 5 electrically connecting the electronic card to the electrical power storage assemblies 3. The two types of guide means shown in the figures will be described below.

(39) 1.1.2.1. Tabs

(40) Each tab 112 extends over a wall of the plate, perpendicular to the principal plane P.

(41) With reference to FIG. 1, a tab is associated with each chamber, in proximity to the linked end of the chamber 11, through which the cables pass up to the connecting plug 111. Each chamber and its associated table extend on opposite faces of the plate. The device also includes other tabs along the plate not associated with a chamber. This set of tabs makes it possible to ensure good placement of the connecting cables against the plate.

(42) As illustrated in FIG. 1, each tab includes a slit 1121 extending over the entire height of the tab. This slit is intended to accommodate the connecting cable(s) and thus defines a passage channel for the cables. This slit defines an elastic clamp consisting of two facing branches (or fingers) 1122, 1123, the free end of each branch including a spur (or excrescence) 1124, 1125 extending toward the facing branch 1123, 1122. This makes it possible to clip and to support in position each connecting cable 5 against the plate 1.

(43) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, chambers 11 are arranged on the two opposite faces of the plate 1. Likewise tabs 112 are provided on either side of the plate 1. This makes it possible to double the number of possible passage channels for the connecting cables 5 and thus to optimize the ergonomics of the module.

(44) 1.1.2.2. Guide

(45) Each guide 113 makes it possible to guide one or more connecting cables 5. More precisely, each guide 113 allows a change in the direction in which the connecting cable 5 positioned within it extends.

(46) With reference to FIG. 6, each guide 113 protrudes toward the outside of the plate perpendicular to the principal plane P. Each guide 113 consists of two fingers 1131, 1132 arranged on either side of a connecting cable passage channel. More precisely, once the connecting cable is installed in the guide 113, it extends between the fingers 1131, 1132.

(47) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the fingers each include a respective excrescence extending parallel to the plate in the direction of the passage channel. This makes it possible to ensure good support of the connecting cable(s) against the plate.

(48) Preferably, the fingers 1131, 1132 are mutually offset along the passage channel. This makes it possible to facilitate changing the orientation of the connecting cable while still ensuring good placement of the connecting cable against the plate at said change in direction. The fingers can in this case be curvilinear (which means that their intersection with the plate is curvilinear).

(49) 1.2. Recess

(50) The recess 2 can be intended to accommodate: two power storage assemblies 3 and a connection link 10, or a single storage assembly 3, as is the case in the embodiments shown.

(51) Each recess 2 can consist of a through opening intended to accommodate a respective power storage assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It will be noted that the device is so positioned that the plate is situated in the central portion of the assemblies, the assemblies protruding from the plate on either side thereof. The plate is thus located at a distance from the functional regions constituted by the end faces of the assembly in the longitudinal direction thereof.

(52) This makes it possible to facilitate the positioning of the power storage assemblies relative to one another with a view to soldering the connection links onto them. Moreover, it facilitates the operation of assembling the module. Indeed, when the connection hardware intended to be connected to the connection plug is placed on the link, as shown in the figures, it is easier to adjust each link relative to its associated connecting plug rather than to adjust the connecting plugs relative to the links already soldered, the relative positions whereof may vary.

(53) Preferably, the shape and the dimensions of the through opening correspond to the shape and dimensions of the cross-section of a lateral face 31 of the electrical power storage assembly 3, in a portion wherein it is not covered by the skirt 32 of the lid.

(54) This allows nestingpossibly by forceof each power storage assembly 3 into a respective opening.

(55) Advantageously, every recess 2 can include one (or more) wall(s) positioned at the opening and extending perpendicular to the late, on either side thereof.

(56) This makes it possible to ensure shimming and centering of the device on the power storage assemblies. The shape of this wallcalled the shimming wallfollows at least partially the contour of the lateral face 31 of the electrical power storage assembly.

(57) Preferably, one end of this surface is intended to abut one end of a domed edge (or skirt) of a lid 32 of the assembly, surrounding the body thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This makes it possible to avoid sliding of the electrical power storage assemblies relative to the supporting device, regardless of the orientation of the module, said module not necessarily being oriented so that the longitudinal axes of the storage assemblies are vertical.

(58) 1.3. Other Elements of the Device

(59) 1.3.1. Shank

(60) As a variant or in addition to the shimming wall, the device can include one (or more) shank(s) 7 extending perpendicular to the plat on one of its faces (or on both of its faces).

(61) The length of the shank is intended to be sufficient so that the free end of the shank comes into contact with a bottom of the power storage module so as to ensure shimming of the device within the power storage module.

(62) Each shank 7 can include a blind threaded opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the shank 7. This threaded opening is intended to accommodate a fastening means for attaching the device to a wall of the module.

(63) 1.3.2. Base

(64) The device can also include a base intended to accommodate one (or more) electronic card(s). This base 6 is for example positioned at the edge of the plate 1.

(65) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the base consists: of a panel 6 extending perpendicular to the plate at one end thereof, attachment means consisting of four studs 61 each including a hole for insertion of a means for attaching the electronic card to the studs.

(66) In the embodiments shown, it will be noted that it is in this base that is formed the recess 15 which accommodates the connection plug 16 connecting the cables to the electronic card.

(67) 1.3.3. Clip

(68) The module can include a sensorsuch as a temperature sensorfor measuring the characteristics of the module.

(69) To allow attachment of such a sensor, the supporting device can include a clip such as an elastic clip, formed protruding from the plate and allowing the sensor to be fastened by clipping.

(70) 1.3.4. Casing

(71) The supporting device can also include means for isolating the power storage modules relative to at least one wall of the housing.

(72) Preferably, these isolation means consist of at least one wall of the part running along the wall of the housing and having preferably the same dimensions as the latter.

(73) This makes it possible to avoid the also complex insertion between the walls of the housing and the supporting device of an insulating lining such as foam. Such a wall is preferably perpendicular to the plane wherein run the recesses.

(74) In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the structure includes a casing 12 consisting of four walls running at the edge of the plate perpendicular to the plane P so as to surround the electrical power storage assemblies.

(75) 1.3.5. Means for Guiding the Reinforcing Means

(76) The device can also include, as can be seen in FIG. 2, shanks 80 extending over the entire height of the module once the latter is assembled. These shanks include a through opening and make it possible to accommodate means for reinforcing the module, connecting in particular the upper wall and the lower wall of the module, to mechanically reinforce the latter. Such shanks are situated between the recesses. They make it possible to ensure proper positioning of the reinforcing means (no creep) and their isolation from the storage assemblies (such reinforcements are often made of metal, a conductor).

(77) 2. Manufacturing Method

(78) Thus, the invention uses a supporting device including means suited for incorporating numerous functions, which makes it possible to save precious time in assembling the module. As a result, even if the part constituting the supporting device is an additional part which has a cost, it makes it possible to avoid the use of numerous other construction elements and simplifies the manufacturing process. The costs of the module are thus reduced.

(79) An example of a manufacturing method for the module will now be described with reference to FIG. 10.

(80) In one step of the method (Step A), the electrical connection means (i.e. connection plug, connecting cable, etc.) are assembled on the supporting device, prior to introducing the storage assemblies into the recesses.

(81) This step consisting of position connection means on the supporting device includes the sub-steps consisting of: placing the connecting cables on a plate of the device by attaching the cables to the guides and to the tabs so as to press the cables against the wall of the plate, placing the connection plugs on the storage assemblies in the chambers, placing the plugs for connecting to the electronic card in the recess 15 electrically connecting the connecting cables to the connection plugs.

(82) Once the connecting means are prepared on the device, the method includes the following steps: Insertion (Step B) of each storage assembly into a respective recess of a supporting device. During this step, three of the assemblies in particular are inserted into the through openings from a first side of the plate, until the end of the skirt 32 of the lid comes into abutment against the shimming walls, then the device is turned over and the other three assemblies are inserted from the other side of the plate until the ends of the skirt of the lid of each assembly come into abutment against the corresponding shimming wall, Electrical connection (Step C) of the connection links intended to electrically connect two adjoining storage elements to the connection means positioned at the supporting device. Soldering (Step D) of the connection link on the two adjoining storage assemblies to electrically connect said adjoining storage assemblies.

(83) Steps C and D are more particularly carried out on one side of the module for interconnecting the ends of the assemblies located at a first end of the module; the module is then turned over and Steps C and D are carried out to interconnect the ends of the assemblies located at the other end of the module.

(84) The structure thus obtained is then placed in a module housing and closed.

(85) 3. Alternative

(86) The reader will have understood that numerous modifications can be applied to the previously described device without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages described here.

(87) For example, the support can be integrated into the plate, the connecting means being embedded in the assembly consisting of the support and of the plate. In this case, the support includes neither tabs nor guides but can include chambers each intended to accommodate an electrical connection plug.

(88) The device can also be modular, that is constitute a portion of an assembly including a plurality of interconnected devices. This makes it possible to make modules having variable numbers of storage assemblies from a single type of device. In this case, the device can for example include, at the edge of the plate, a coupling means 8 allowing two supporting devices according to the invention to be fastened together.