WO2010094898A1

WO2010094898A1 - System for securing a battery pack and associated automatable assembly/disassembly method

Info

Publication number: WO2010094898A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/050290
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Fernandez-Mateo
Original assignee: Renault Sas
Priority date: 2009-02-19
Filing date: 2010-02-19
Publication date: 2010-08-26
Also published as: FR2942188B1; FR2942188A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for securing a battery pack (1) to a holder (2), including: a plurality (at least two) of substantially U-shaped shackles (3, 8), the arms (5, 6, 10, 11) of which are attached to the holder (2) and can rotate about a shaft (7, 12) located substantially in a plane (16) tangent to a first surface (14) of the battery pack (1), so that each shackle (3, 8) can rotate between a closed position (F) and an open position (O); and manoeuvring means (17) which, in a first mode, can simultaneously move the plurality of shackles (3, 8) into a closed position (F) and, in a second mode, can simultaneously move the plurality of shackles (3, 8) into an open position (O). The invention also relates to a automatable method for assembling/disassembling a battery pack (1) including one such securing system.

Description

Title: Battery Pack Attachment System and Associated Automated Assembly / Disassembly Method.

The present invention relates to a system for attaching a battery pack to a box, such as a motor vehicle body, as well as automated assembly / disassembly methods of such a battery pack.

In the field of fixing power batteries on vehicles, there is no known system / method for automated assembly / disassembly.

The present invention proposes to make the initial implementation and the replacement of a power battery automatable, that is to say, achievable without manual technical intervention, for example in service station. The invention relates to a system for fixing a battery pack to a support, comprising a plurality comprising at least two substantially U-shaped arches, the base of said U being able to support the battery pack, the branches of said U being fixed to the support, rotatable about an axis disposed substantially in a plane tangential to a first face of the battery pack facing the support, so that each hoop can rotate between a closed position where the base comes into contact with a second face of the battery pack opposite to said first face and holds the battery pack against the support, and an open position where the hoop retracts completely from a projection of the battery pack in a direction perpendicular to said tangent plane and releases the battery pack, a means of maneuver acting in a first mode, to simultaneously drive the hoops of said plurality in the closed position, and in a second mode, in order to simultaneously cause the hoops of said plurality in the open position.

Such a system can thus advantageously be maneuvered in the open or automatically closed position, by acting on the operating means.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the system further comprises, for each arch of said plurality, a stop integral with the battery pack, arranged parallel and close to the base of the arch in the closed position, the side of the base facing towards the open position of the arch. According to another characteristic of the invention, the stop has a position relative to the base and dimensions such that the stop opposes the opening of the hoop when the battery pack remains in contact with the base of the hoop. Such an arrangement advantageously ensures that the fastening system continues to maintain the battery pack, even in case of inadvertent unlocking of the fastening system.

The invention also relates to a method for automatically assembling a battery pack comprising a fastening system according to one of the preceding embodiments comprising the following steps: if necessary, maneuvering the operating means according to the second mode, in order to opening the arches, placing the battery pack on a platen, moving the platen to bring the battery pack into position, in contact with the support, maneuvering the operating means according to the first mode, in order to close the arches and immobilize the battery pack, removing the platen.

The invention also relates to a method of automated disassembly of a battery pack comprising a fixing system according to one of the preceding embodiments comprising the following steps: setting up a plate in contact with the battery pack so to keep the battery pack in contact with the support, maneuver the means of maneuver in the second mode to open the hoops, moving the plate to remove the battery pack.

Another advantage of the system according to the invention is to allow automation of the establishment and / or replacement of a power pack battery.

Another advantage of the system is to rely on simple mechanical elements ensuring robustness and ease of industrial implementation. Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description given below as an indication in relation to drawings in which: FIGS. 1-7 and 9 illustrate in side view a system of fixing a battery pack according to the invention,

FIG. 1 particularly illustrates the principle of the fastening system,

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 particularly illustrate an advantageous use of an abutment according to one embodiment,

FIG. 3 particularly illustrates the maintenance of the battery pack when the battery pack remains resting on the arches; FIG. 4 particularly illustrates the release of the battery pack when the battery pack is kept in contact with the support, FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the steps of a battery pack assembly / disassembly sequence, as well as a first embodiment of the fastener using a frame and a screw device, FIG. 8 illustrates this same first embodiment. realization of the fixing device in perspective view,

FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the fixing device using a cable and pulleys, FIG. 10 illustrates this same second embodiment of the fixing device in perspective view.

According to FIG. 1, a battery pack 1 has a shape that can be complex, represented here by a parallelepiped. This battery pack 1 is able to come into contact with a support 2, for example secured to a vehicle, to which the battery pack 1 provides electrical energy. It is desired to be able to attach the battery pack 1 to the support 2 removably and automatically.

In order to achieve this objective, a fastening system comprising a plurality comprising at least two arches 3, 8 is employed. The figures show an exemplary embodiment. comprising two hoops 3, 8. These hoops 3, 8 are substantially U-shaped in order to surround the profile of the battery pack 1. Preferably, a hoop in the closed position has a shape "enveloping" the shape of the pack of battery 1. The base 4, 9 of said U by its shape and its resistance is able to support the battery pack 1. The branches 5, 6, 10, 11 of said U are fixed to the support 2, by means of an axis 7, 12. Thus the arches can move in rotation. The axes 7, 12 are arranged substantially in a tangent plane 16 to the contact surface between the battery pack 1 and the support 2. This contact surface corresponds to a first face 14 of the battery pack 1 which faces the support 2 In the figures, this face 14 is the upper face of the battery pack 1 and the tangent plane 16 is a horizontal plane.

The rotation of the hoops 3, 8 allows them to rotate between a closed position F and an open position O. In the closed position F, a hoop 3, 8 is arranged such that its base 4, 9 comes into contact with a second face 15 of the battery pack 1, opposite to said first face 14. In the figures, this face 15 is the lower face of the battery pack 1. In the closed position F, a bow holds the battery pack 1 against the support 2.

In the open position 0, the arch 3, 8 retracts completely. If we consider the volume obtained by a projection of the battery pack 1 in a direction perpendicular to the tangent plane 16 of contact, a hoop in the open position 0 does not enter this projection. It thus releases the passage for the battery pack 1, which can be released from the support 2, in a translation in a direction perpendicular to the tangent plane 16. In the figures, this direction perpendicular to the tangent plane 16 is vertically downward.

The fixing device is advantageously completed by an operating means 17. This operating means 17 which will be detailed two embodiments later, is characterized in that it is capable of simultaneously driving the arches 3, 8. By intervening according to a first mode, the operating means 17 moves all the hoops 3, 8 to their closed position F. By acting in a second mode, the operating means 17 moves all the hoops 3, 8 to their open position 0. Thus a single maneuver applied by means of maneuver 17 simultaneously allows to close all the arches, respectively to open them.

In an advantageous configuration, the tangent plane 16 is substantially horizontal, and the battery pack 1 is disposed under the support 2. This configuration is advantageous in that the battery pack 1 is thus concealed and protected under the support / vehicle. It can be accessed, set up or removed from a workshop pit or by placing the vehicle on a bridge. This configuration is further advantageous in that the battery pack 1 is subjected to gravity in the direction of setting up / removing the battery pack 1.

Referring to Figure 2, according to an advantageous characteristic, the fixing device is completed, for each arch 3, 8 of the plurality, by a stop 18, 19 secured to the battery pack 1. This stop 18, 19 is arranged parallel to the base 4, 9 of the arch 3, 8. It is disposed close to the base 4, 9 of the arch 3, 8 when said arch is in the closed position F. The stop 18, 19 is disposed of side of the base 4, 9 looking towards the open position of the arch 3, 8. In other words, the stop 18, 19 is disposed between the closed position F and the open position 0 of the arch 3, 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the stop 18, 19 ensures a maintenance of the battery pack 1 substantially in position, even in the event of opening of the arches 3, 8, for example in the event of failure of the operating means 17. In this case, the battery pack 1 moves slightly away from the support 2 and the arches 3, 8 open slightly. In doing so the hoops 3, 8 come into contact with the stops 18, 19 which stop their opening. Thus the battery pack 1 is no longer pressed against the support 2 but remains in position. If the slight displacement of the battery pack 1 remains below the tolerance of the electrical connection means 32, the power supply can continue.

The stop 18, 19 must for this purpose be positioned relative to the base 4, 9 of the arch 3, 8 and have dimensions 20 such that the stop 18, 19 opposes the opening of the arch 3, 8 when the battery pack 1 remains in contact with the base 4, 9 of the arch 3, 8.

In order for the battery pack 1 to remain in contact with the base 4, 9, it is necessary that a force tends to move it away from the support 2. In the case of vertical mounting, the gravity applied to the battery pack 1 advantageously ensures that the battery pack 1 remains in contact with the hoops 3, 8. In the case of any other mounting direction, the same effect can be obtained by interposing a compressed elastic means between the battery pack 1 and the support 2. However, this stop 18, 19 must allow disassembly of the battery pack 1. For this the stop 18, 19 has a position relative to the base 4, 9 and dimensions 20 such that the stop allows the opening of the battery. hoop 3, 8, when the battery pack 1 is kept in contact with the support 2. This is particularly illustrated in FIG. 4. The dimensions 20 of the stop 18, 19 are sufficiently reduced and its position relative to the base 4 , 9 is such that the arch 3, 8 can pass from the closed position F to the open position O, provided that the battery pack 1 remains pressed against the support 2. The condition is illustrated by the intermediate position I, where the dimension 20 of the stop 18, 19 in relation to the rotation of the arch 3, 8, is such that there remains a clearance between the stop 18, 19 and the base 4, 9 of the arch 3, 8 during the rotation of the arch 3, 8 to the right of the stop 18 , 19.

Several embodiments of a maneuvering means 17 simultaneously moving the hoops 3, 8 are possible. As an illustration, two embodiments are described.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 5-8, the operating means 17 comprises a frame 21 substantially parallel to the tangent plane 16. This frame 21 can be reduced to two rods 21 on either side of the fastening system . This frame 21 is connected by means of rods 22, 23 articulated with the frame 21 and with each of the arches 3, 8. The rods 22, 23 and the joints are such that the closure of the hoops 3, 8 is accompanied by a movement of bringing the frame 21 relative to the support 2, corresponding to the first mode which allows simultaneous driving of the hoops 3, 8 to their closed position. In a complementary manner, the opening of the hoops 3, 8 is accompanied by a movement away from the frame 21 relative to the support 2 corresponding to the second mode which allows simultaneous driving of the hoops 3, 8 to their open position. To allow clearance of the battery pack 1, the frame 21 does not cover the projection of the battery pack 1 in the direction perpendicular to the tangent plane 16. An automatable device, such as a screw device 24 disposed between the frame 21 and the support 2 makes it possible to carry out the movement of approaching and the movement of the frame 21 away from the support 2, for example by reversing the direction of rotation of the screw. A single maneuver of said device 24 thus makes it possible simultaneously to control the opening or closing of all the hoops 3, 8. The person skilled in the art conceives that it is possible to replace the screw device 24 by any device providing a same function, such as a cylinder or a cable device.

According to an advantageous optional feature, illustrated in FIG. 5, the shafts 7, 12, of the hoops are each arranged in an elongated housing 34, 35, whose extension is parallel to the tangent plane 16. The operating means 17 further comprises least one support means 32,

33, adapted to come to press each axis 7, 12, in order to force it to press against the outside of said oblong hole

34, 35, when the operating means 17 acts in the first mode, that is to say maneuver to the closed position (F). Such a means makes it possible to discard the axes 7, 12, and thus the hoops 3, 8, during closing, in order to bring them in contact with the stops 18, 19, and thus to lock the closure and blocking of the pack battery 1. One embodiment of said support means 32, 33 consists in producing a part integral with the operating means 17 such that the force P created by the operation of the operating means 17 produces a force P 'on the axis 7, 12, directed outwards, relative to the battery pack 1. This can be achieved by an inclined plane 32, 33, acting as a wedge wedge, on one end of the frame 21 coming into contact with the axis 7, 12, when the operating means 17 acts in the first mode and the frame 21 approaches the support 2. According to a second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 9-10, the operating means 17 comprises at least one cable 25, at least two pulleys 26, 27, 28, 29 of return disposed on each arch 3, 8 and on which said cable 25 is wound, and a device 30 for tensioning / loosening of the cable 25. The cable 25 may be wound as in FIGS. and 10 above an upper pulley 26, 29 and below an inferior pulley 27, 28. In this case the first mode is a tension of the cable 25, simultaneously driving the hoops 3, 8 in the closed position, and the second mode is a release of the cable 25, simultaneously driving the hoops 3, 8 in the open position . In this case, the opening is possible under the action of a force tending to open the hoops 3, 8 during the release of the cable 25. This force can be produced by the gravity applying to the hoops 3, 8. The gravity can be replaced or supplemented by an elastic means disposed between the arch 3, 8 and the support 2 and tending to open said arch 3, 8. It appears to the skilled person that with a winding of the cable 25 made of Conversely, the first mode corresponds to a loosening of the cable 25 and the second mode corresponds to a cable tension 25.

The device 30 for tensioning / loosening of the cable 25 comprises at least one winch 30 on which one end of the cable 25 is wound. The other end of the cable 25 is either stowed for example on the support 2 or wound on a second winch.

Referring to Figures 5-7 will now be described a mounting method and a method of disassembling a battery pack 1 comprising a fastening system according to one of embodiments of the invention. Figures 5-7 illustrate a fastening system according to the first embodiment of the operating means 17 (frame and rods). It is obvious that the description of the assembly / disassembly method applies analogously to the second embodiment (cable and pulleys).

The disassembly process begins with a battery pack 1 attached to the carrier 2 and includes the following steps. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a holding tool in the form of a plate 31 is put in place in contact with the battery pack 1. The function of this tool is to keep the battery pack 1 in contact with the support 2 , in opposition to the force due to gravity and / or compressed elastic means between the battery pack 1 and the support 2, tending to move the battery pack 1 away from the support 2. This holding being ensured, it is carried out at an opening of the hoops 3, 8, by a maneuver of the operating means 17, according to the second mode. The opening is thus achieved by unscrewing the screw device 24 or by relaxing the cable 25 as appropriate. This opening is possible, the hoops 3, 8 can release stops 18, 19, since the battery pack 1 remains maintained by the plate 31 against the support 2. The opening of the hoops 3, 8 releases the projection of the battery pack 1. The state obtained is illustrated in FIG. 6. It is then possible, as illustrated in FIG. 7, to move the plate 31 in a direction perpendicular to the tangent plane 16, in order to deposit the battery pack 1. In a vertical arrangement the battery pack 1 is simply based on the plate 31. In a disposition in another direction it is necessary to add a battery pack 1 fixing means on the plate 31.

Conversely, the editing process proceeds in reverse order. A first optional step, necessary if the hoops 3, 8 have been closed, is to maneuver the operating means 17 in the second mode, in order to open the hoops 3, 8. It is proceeded to an implementation of the pack of battery 1 to mount on the plate 31. We are thus in the configuration of Figure 7. It is then proceeded the displacement of the plate 31 in order to bring the battery pack 1 into position, in contact with the support 2, in accordance with FIG. 6. Next, a maneuver of the operating means 17 according to the first mode, screwing in the first mode embodiment and cable tension in the second embodiment, so as to close the hoops 3, 8 and thus immobilize the battery pack 1 against the support 2, as shown in Figure 5. The plate 31, now useless, can be removed. It appears to those skilled in the art that the assembly / disassembly steps can be carried out manually but also advantageously in a completely automated manner. The maneuvering means 17 regardless of its embodiment can be maneuvered by automatic tooling. Thus the screw device 24 can be accessed by an automatic screwdriver. The winch 30, motorized version, is also easily operable automatically. The operation of the plate 31 can likewise be automatic. A fastening system as described above thus advantageously makes it possible to develop an automatic assembly and / or disassembly method, without any manual intervention. The fastening system is moreover tolerant to a failure of the operating means 17 (unscrewing of the screw device 24 or expansion / breaking of the cable 25) by the judicious use of the stops 18, 19.

Claims

1. System for attaching a battery pack (1) to a support (2), characterized in that it comprises:

a plurality comprising at least two substantially U-shaped hoops (3, 8), the base (4, 9) of said U being able to support the battery pack (1), the branches (5, 6, 10, 11) ) of said U being fixed to the support (2), rotatable about an axis (7, 12) disposed substantially in a tangent plane (16) to a first face (14) of the battery pack (1) facing the support ( 2), so that each hoop (3, 8) can rotate between a closed position (F) where the base (4, 9) comes into contact with a second face (15) of the battery pack (1) opposite to said first face (14) and holds the battery pack (1) against the support (2), and an open position

(0) wherein the arch (3, 8) retracts completely from a projection of the battery pack (1) in a direction perpendicular to said tangent plane (16) and releases the battery pack (1), - a means operating means (17) acting in a first mode, to simultaneously drive the hoops (3, 8) of said plurality in the closed position (F), and in a second mode, to simultaneously drive the hoops (3, 8 ) of said plurality in the open position (0).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the tangent plane (16) is substantially horizontal, and in that the battery pack (1) is disposed under the support (2).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises, for each arch (3, 8) of said plurality, an abutment (18, 19) integral with the battery pack

(1), arranged parallel and close to the base (4, 9) of the arch (3, 8) in the closed position (F), the side of the base (4, 9) looking towards the open position (0 ) of the arch (3,

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the stop (18, 19) has a position relative to the base

(4, 9) and dimensions (20) such that the stop (18, 19) opposes the opening of the arch (3, 8) when the battery pack (1) remains in contact with the base (4, 9) of the arch (3, 8).

5. System according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the stop (18, 19) has a position relative to the base (4, 9) and dimensions (20) such that the stop (18, 19) allows the opening of the arch (3, 8), when the battery pack (1) is kept in contact with the support (2).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating means (17) comprises a frame (21) substantially parallel to the tangent plane (16) and connecting rods (22, 23) connecting articulated each of the hoops (3, 8) to the frame (21), in that the first mode consists of a movement of movement of the frame (21) relative to the support (2) in order to simultaneously drive the hoops (3, 8) in the closed position (F), in that the second mode consists of a movement away from the frame (21) relative to the support (2) so as to simultaneously drive the hoops (3, 8) in the open position (O), and in that said frame (21) in no way covers the projection of the battery pack (1) in the direction perpendicular to said tangent plane (16).

7. System according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a screw device (24) disposed between the frame (21) and the support (2), to perform the movement of approximation and the movement of removal frame (21) relative to the support (2).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each axis (7, 12) is disposed in an elongate housing (34, 35) extending parallel to said tangent plane (16), and in that that the operating means (17) further comprises at least one support means (32, 33) adapted to pressing said axis (7, 12) to press against the outside of said elongate hole (34, 35) when the operating means (17) acts in the first mode.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the support means (32, 33) comprises an inclined plane (32, 33) on one end of the frame (21) coming into contact with the axis (7, 12). ) when the operating means (17) acts in the first mode and the frame (21) approaches the support (2).

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating means (17) comprises at least one cable (25), at least two pulleys (26, 27, 28, 29) of return arranged on each arch (3, 8) and on which said cable (25) is wound, and a device (30) for tensioning / loosening of the cable (25), in that the first mode is a tension of the cable (25) respectively loosening of the cable (25), simultaneously driving the hoops (3, 8) in the closed position (F), and in that the second mode is loosening of the cable (25), respectively a tension of the cable (25) , simultaneously driving the hoops (3, 8) in the open position (O).

11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the device (30) of tension / loosening of the cable (25) comprises at least one winch (30).

12. A method for automatically assembling a battery pack (1) comprising a fixing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

- if necessary, maneuvering the operating means (17) according to the second mode, in order to open the hoops (3, 8)

- setting up the battery pack (1) on a plate (31),

- moving the plate (31) to bring the battery pack (1) into position, in contact with the support

(2) - maneuvering the operating means (17) in the first mode, to close the hoops (3, 8) and immobilize the battery pack (1),

- Removal of the plate (31).

13. A method of disassembling a battery pack (1) comprising a fastening system according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: (31) in contact with the battery pack (1) to hold the battery pack (1) in contact with the holder (2)

- Operating maneuvering means (17), in the second mode, to open the hoops (3, 8) - moving the plate (31) to remove the battery pack (1).