CN111048711A

CN111048711A - Battery module

Info

Publication number: CN111048711A
Application number: CN201910961960.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A.莱姆克; J.N.韦思曼; L.拉肯马彻; B.沙尔; F.韦谢
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2018-10-12
Filing date: 2019-10-11
Publication date: 2020-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-11
Also published as: CN111048711B; DE102018125283A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module (100) having: a plurality of electric cells (101) and a carrier plate (10) for supporting and connecting the electric cells (101), wherein the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (11) in which the electric cells (101) are accommodated, and wherein the cell housings (11) are constructed in one piece with the carrier plate (10). To this end, according to the invention, a channel structure (12) for the temperature control cell (101) is provided, wherein the channel structure (12) has at least one wall (W) which is common to a plurality of cell housings (11).

Description

Battery module

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a battery module according to the present invention. The invention further relates to a corresponding modularly constructed battery according to the invention.

Background

Battery modules having a plurality of electric cells arranged on a carrier plate are known. The cells can be cooled by the carrier plate. Satisfactory cooling of the cells cannot be achieved, however. Furthermore, the cells can be cooled by cooling coils which can be arranged in the bottom of the carrier plate, as shown in document DE 102008059967 a 1. In cooling the cells, the housing of the battery must be positioned in thermal contact with the cooling coil. In this case, air can enter between the housing of the cell and the cooling coil, thereby destroying the thermal coupling.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of battery modules known from the prior art. The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a battery module which is simple to construct and is equipped with a better cooling mechanism. The object of the invention is, furthermore, to provide a battery which is of better modular construction, can be assembled simply and has a better cooling mechanism.

The object is achieved by a battery module according to the invention and by a battery constructed in a corresponding modular manner according to the invention. The features disclosed for the individual inventive aspects can be combined with one another in such a way that the disclosure with respect to the inventive aspects of the invention is always or can be mutually referenced.

The present invention provides a battery module, which comprises: a plurality of electric cells (or battery cells) and a carrier plate for supporting and connecting (or electrically connecting) the electric cells, wherein the carrier plate has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (so-called cell sleeves) in which the electric cells (or cell spools in other words) are accommodated, and wherein the cell housings are constructed in one piece (and/or integrally and/or materially unified) with the carrier plate. To this end, according to the invention, a channel structure for tempering (heating or cooling) the cells is provided, wherein the channel structure has at least one wall which is common to a plurality of, in particular all, cell housings.

Within the scope of the invention, the cell may be configured as a circular cell, a prismatic cell or a pouch-shaped cell. The cell housing within the scope of the invention can have a circular or polygonal, in particular rectangular or square, cross section. For example, 1 to 20, 1 to 40, 1 to 80, 20 to 40 or 40 to 200 cell sleeves can be arranged on the carrier plate. Further, the number of cells may be adjusted according to the application.

The inventive concept is to achieve cooling in the vicinity of the structure of the cell (or close to the structure) by the cell's own housing wall, since the cell housings of the cell share a wall with the housing of the channel structure. In this case, the transition from the housing of the cell to the other housing of the channel structure, which can usually only be realized by a gap, for example an air gap, is eliminated. The heat loss during the tempering of the cells can therefore be significantly reduced. Thus, a smaller pump for the coolant (guided through the channel structure) may also be sufficient.

The carrier plate, the cell housing and the channel structure can advantageously be embodied as a single, one-piece and material-uniform component, which can be produced by means of an additive manufacturing method, for example a 3D printing process.

The channel structure can be configured in the form of a loop as a continuous, closed-loop extension for the coolant, so that a uniform cooling of the individual cells can be achieved. The heating of the coolant is compensated by this extended shape, so that the single cells can benefit uniformly from this effect. Furthermore, the channel structure may additionally be divided into two or more paths for the coolant, which may also be used for uniform cooling of the cells. Furthermore, the course (or extension) and the structure of the channel structure can also be adapted. Thus, for example, a double loop of the channel or a channel with a greater channel height is also conceivable. Furthermore, the channels may extend differently in other cell layouts and cell numbers as well. The channel structure may have an inlet opening and an outlet opening.

The single cells are electrically connected in parallel with the carrier plate through the single cell case. Electrode connections can be provided for electrical contact to the outside or to other components. Since the carrier plate is electrically conductive, mechanical and electrical connections to further battery modules can be established by means of the electrode connections, in order to provide a modularly constructed battery in a simple manner.

It is thus possible by means of the invention to provide channel structures with better heat transfer from the cooling structure to the cells, since they share one wall. The structure of the battery module can be simplified by means of the invention, since several separate cooling devices are eliminated. In addition, the structural space and the weight of the finished battery module can be reduced as a result.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the battery module that the channel structure is formed integrally (and/or integrally and/or materially uniformly) with the cell housing. A single operable member can thus be realized. It is possible to simplify the assembly of the battery module and to reduce the structural space and weight of the manufactured battery module.

Furthermore, it can be provided in the battery module that the channel structure is produced together with the cell housing and the carrier plate by means of an additive manufacturing method. The production of the battery module can therefore be carried out simply and inexpensively, even with a large number of parts.

In addition, it can be provided in the battery module according to the invention that the channel structure is arranged at a distance from the carrier plate. A central arrangement of the channel structures on the cells can thus be achieved in order to homogenize the temperature control of the cells over the height of the cells.

In addition, it can be provided in the battery module according to the invention that the channel structure is formed in a wave-like manner when viewed in a plan view of the carrier plate. Thus, a plurality of cells, preferably all cells, can be connected in close thermodynamic structural proximity to the channel structure.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the channel structure to run meandering (or zigzag-like) between the cell(s). A uniform temperature regulation between the cells can thus be achieved.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the channel structure is designed as a strip, viewed perpendicular to the viewing axis of the carrier plate. The channel structure may thus have a certain channel height in order to provide a sufficient flow cross section for the coolant.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the channel structure at least partially surrounds the cells on the peripheral side. It is therefore possible to provide a larger area over which heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the cells. In addition, the temperature of the single cells can be made uniform around the single cells.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the channel structure has a continuous, self-closing, extended shape for the coolant. In other words, the channel structure may have a single or multiple loops with a continuous, self-closing extended shape for the coolant. Thus, a uniform heat distribution can be achieved by the channel structure.

It is furthermore conceivable that the channel structure may have two or more paths for the coolant. The heat distribution can be further homogenized by the channel structure.

In addition, it can be provided in the battery module according to the invention that the channel structure has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the coolant. The required coolant of the respective temperature-control cell can be introduced into the channel structure via the inlet opening. The coolant that exchanges heat with the battery cells can be transported out through the discharge opening.

It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the channel structure can be located substantially in a line, viewed perpendicularly to the direction of the carrying floor. Thus, the respective connection lines can be conveniently connected to the outlet opening and the inlet opening.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the inlet and outlet openings of the channel structure and the electrode connections of the carrier plate to lie substantially in a line, as seen in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate. All the connections of the battery module can thus be easily reached (or accessed).

In addition, it can be provided in the battery module that the carrier plate and the cell housing are electrically conductive. In this way, the cells can be connected in parallel by the cell housing and the carrier plate.

It is also conceivable that the carrier plate and the cell housing can have electrode connections. The electrode tabs may advantageously have the polarity of the battery module. The other polarity of the battery module can be provided by a corresponding electrode terminal of the cover element, which can be provided individually for each cell or jointly for all cells. The cover element can advantageously be arranged on the cell housing in an electrically insulating manner.

In addition, it can be provided in the battery module according to the invention that the electrode connections are embodied in the form of holes. It is possible to provide an electrode tap of simple construction.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the electrode terminal can be designed for a mechanical, in particular form-fitting and/or friction-fitting connection with a complementary electrode terminal of another battery module. In this way, the battery module can be connected in a simple manner to further battery modules as a modularly constructed battery with battery modules that can be switched on and/or off in a simple manner.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the carrier plate to have at least one guide rail in order to assemble the battery modules as a modularly constructed battery. The guide rail may be placed in a complementary guide. Thus, a modularly constructed battery which can be easily assembled can be provided, with a battery module which can be easily replaced.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the guide rails of the carrier plate to extend perpendicularly to a line on which the inlet and outlet openings of the channel structure and the electrode connections of the carrier plate lie. Therefore, even in the case of using a plurality of battery modules, the battery modules can have well-accessible tabs.

In addition, the invention can provide that the carrier plate is designed to assemble the battery modules as plug-in modules into a modularly constructed battery. Therefore, the degree of freedom in assembling a plurality of battery modules into a modularly constructed battery can be increased, and the battery can be assembled simply and without a large installation cost.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the carrier plate to have a plurality of receptacles for the electric cells, which receptacles are embedded in the carrier plate. Therefore, the material of the carrier plate can be saved, and the battery cells can be stably accommodated in the battery module.

It is also conceivable for the carrier plate to have at least one recess at the location where no electric cells are carried. Thus, material of the carrier plate can also be saved.

Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a modularly constructed battery, which is embodied with at least one battery module, which can be constructed as described above. The same advantages as described above in connection with the battery module according to the invention are likewise achieved with the battery according to the invention. These advantages are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The modularly constructed battery may advantageously be used in mobile applications, such as in vehicles, or in stationary applications, such as in generators.

Drawings

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be used to illustrate in detail further measures which improve the invention with reference to the attached drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential for the invention individually or in any combination. It is to be noted here that the figures have only a descriptive nature and do not impose any form of limitation on the invention. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a battery module according to a possible embodiment of the invention in a top view; and

fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to a further possible embodiment of the invention.

In the following figures, the same reference numerals are also used for the same features of the different embodiments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 and 3 show a battery module 100 according to the invention, which has a plurality of battery cells 101 and a carrier plate 10 for supporting and connecting (or electrically connecting) the battery cells 101. The carrier plate 10 has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings 11 (so-called cell sleeves) in which cells 101 are accommodated (for example in the form of cell spools). The cell housing 11 is constructed integrally (and/or monolithically and/or materially unitarily) with the carrier plate 10 within the scope of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a channel structure 12 according to the invention for tempering a cell 101, which has at least one wall W common to a plurality of, preferably all, cell housings 11. This wall W is best seen in the view of fig. 3.

According to the invention, cooling of the vicinity of the structure of the cell 101 via the cell's own housing wall W is achieved by the channel structure 12, the cell housing 11 sharing the housing wall W with the housing of the channel structure 12. A better heat transfer between the coolant within the channel structure 12 and the cell 101 can thus be achieved, and thus an effective temperature regulation of the cell 101 can be achieved.

The carrier plate 10, the cell housing 11 and the channel structure 12 can advantageously be embodied as a single, integral and material-uniform component, which can be produced by means of an additional production method, for example a 3D printing method.

The channel structure 12 can be designed in the form of a single or multiple loops as a continuous, self-closing, extended shape for the coolant, so that a uniform cooling of the cells 101 can be achieved.

As fig. 1 and 3 also show, the channel structure 12 can additionally be divided into two paths P1, P2 for the coolant. This can also be used to uniformly cool the cells 101. Furthermore, the course of the channel structure 12 and the structure and channel height can also be adjusted. As can be seen in fig. 1 and 3, the channel structure 12 can have an inlet opening 1 and an outlet opening 2 for the coolant.

The cells 101 are electrically connected in parallel to the carrier plate 10 via the cell case 11. For electrical contact to the outside and/or to other components and/or to other battery modules 100, electrode connections 3 (for example in the form of holes) can be provided on the carrier plate 10. Since the carrier plate 10 is electrically conductive, an electrical connection to further battery modules 100 can be established by means of the electrode contacts 3, in order to provide a modularly constructed battery in a simple manner.

As can also be seen from fig. 1 and 3, the channel structure 12 can optionally be arranged at a distance from the carrier plate 10. A centered arrangement of the channel structures 12 over the height of the cells 101 can thus be achieved.

Fig. 2 furthermore shows a top view of the carrier plate 10, in which the channel structure 12 is formed in a wave-like manner when viewed in a top view of the carrier plate 10. Therefore, a plurality of cells 101, preferably all cells 101, can be connected to channel structure 12 in a thermally, structurally close manner.

Fig. 2 also shows, in a plan view of the carrier plate 10, that the channel structure 12 is wound between the individual cells 101 in order to be able to achieve a uniform temperature control of a plurality of, preferably all, individual cells 10.

Furthermore, it can be seen from the perspective views in fig. 1 and 3 that the channel structure 12 is designed in the form of a strip with a certain channel height in order to provide a sufficient flow cross section for the coolant.

Fig. 2 furthermore shows, in a plan view of the carrier plate 10, that the channel structure 12 surrounds the cells 101 at least partially on the peripheral side in order to provide an increased area for heat transfer.

It can furthermore be seen from the views in fig. 1 and 3 that the inlet opening 1 and the outlet opening 2 of the channel structure 12 and, if appropriate, the electrode connections 3 of the carrier plate 10 are located essentially in a line, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate 10. All the terminals of the battery module 100 can be conveniently reached.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, the carrier plate 10 can have at least one, preferably two guide rails 5 in order to assemble the battery module 100 simply and easily into a modularly constructed battery.

It can also be seen from fig. 1 that the guide rail 5 can extend perpendicularly to the line on which the inlet opening 1, the outlet opening 2 of the channel structure 12 and, if appropriate, the electrode connections 3 of the carrier plate 10 are located. Therefore, even in the case of using a plurality of battery modules 100, the battery modules 100 may have well-accessible tabs.

The battery module 100 can therefore be provided as a plug-in module which can be assembled simply and without great installation effort as a modularly constructed battery.

Furthermore, it can be seen in the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1 that the carrier plate 10 can have at least one recess 4 at the location where no cells 101 are carried, in order to save material of the carrier plate 10.

As can also be seen from fig. 1 and 3, the carrier plate 10 can have a plurality of receptacles 13 for the cells 101, which are embedded in the carrier plate 10 and merge into the cell housing 11 outside the carrier plate 10, in order to save material of the carrier plate 10 and to accommodate the cells 101 stably in the battery module 100.

The foregoing description of the embodiments describes the invention by way of example only. Obviously, the various features of the invention can be freely combined with each other, if technically reasonable, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention/claims.

List of reference numerals

100 cell module

101 single cell

10 bearing plate

11 single cell case

12-channel structure

13 accommodating part

1 entry opening

2 discharge opening

3 electrode joint

4 keep the empty part

5 guide rail

P1 Path

P2 Path

Wall shared by W

Claims

1. A battery module (100) having:

a plurality of single cells (101), an

A carrier plate (10) for supporting and connecting the cells (101), wherein the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings (11) in which the cells (101) are accommodated,

and wherein the cell housing (11) is formed in one piece with the carrier plate (10),

characterized in that a channel structure (12) for tempering the cells (101) is provided, wherein the channel structure (12) has at least one wall (W) which is common to the cell housings (11).

2. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the channel structure (12) is constructed in one piece with the cell housing (11) and/or the channel structure (12) is manufactured together with the cell housing (11) and the carrier plate (10) by means of an additive manufacturing method.

3. The battery module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the channel structure (12) is arranged at a distance from the carrier plate (10).

4. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel connection (12) is formed in an undulating manner as seen in a plan view of the carrier plate (10) and/or the channel structure (12) meanders between the cells (101).

5. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel structure (12) is configured in a strip-shaped manner, viewed perpendicularly to the carrier plate (10), and/or in that the channel structure (12) at least partially surrounds the battery cells (101) on the peripheral side.

6. The battery module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel structure (12) has a continuous, self-closing, extended shape for the coolant and/or the channel structure (12) has two paths (P1, P2) for the coolant.

7. The battery module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel structure (12) has an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) for the coolant and/or that the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) are located substantially in a line, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10).

8. The battery module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and the electrode contacts (3) of the carrier plate (10) lie substantially in one line, viewed perpendicularly to the carrier plate (10).

9. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier plate (10) and the cell housing (11) are configured to be electrically conductive and/or the carrier plate (10) and the cell housing (11) have an electrode connection (3).

10. The battery module (100) according to claim 9, characterised in that the electrode tabs (3) are embodied in the form of holes and/or the electrode tabs (3) are designed for mechanical connection with complementary electrode tabs of another battery module (100).

11. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the carrier plate (10) has at least one guide rail (5) for assembling the battery module (100) into a modularly constructed battery and/or the guide rail (5) of the carrier plate (10) extends perpendicularly to a line on which the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and the electrode contacts (3) of the carrier plate (10) lie.

12. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plate (10) is configured for assembling the battery module (100) as a plug-in module as a modularly constructed battery.

13. The battery module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of receptacles (13) for the electric cells (101), which are embedded in the carrier plate (10).

14. The battery module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plate (10) has at least one recess (4) at a location where no battery cells (101) are carried.

15. A modularly constructed battery having at least one battery module (100) according to any of the preceding claims.