CN111048711B

CN111048711B - Battery module

Info

Publication number: CN111048711B
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: 2024-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-11
Also published as: CN111048711A; DE102018125283A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module (100) having: a plurality of cells (101) and 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 housings (11) are integrally formed with the carrier plate (10). For this purpose, a channel structure (12) for a temperature-regulating cell (101) is provided according to the invention, 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 cells arranged on a carrier plate are known. The cells can be cooled by the carrier plate. However, satisfactory cooling of the single cells cannot be achieved. Furthermore, the cells can be cooled by cooling coils which can be arranged in the bottom of the carrier plate, as is shown in document DE 10 2008 059 967A1. When cooling the cells, the housing of the cell 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 breaking the thermal coupling.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art in battery modules. The object of the invention is, inter alia, to provide a battery module which is simple to construct and is equipped with a better cooling mechanism. The object of the invention is to provide a better modular battery which can be assembled in a simple manner and has a better cooling mechanism.

The technical problem according to the invention is solved by a battery module according to the invention and by a battery constructed according to the invention in a corresponding modular manner. Features disclosed for the individual inventive aspects can be combined with one another in such a way that the disclosure concerning the inventive aspects for the invention is always or can be referred to one another.

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

Within the scope of the invention, the cells may be configured as round cells, prismatic cells or pouch-shaped cells. The cell housing within the scope of the invention may 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. In addition, the number of single cells may be adjusted according to the application.

The inventive concept is to cool the vicinity of the structure (or the proximity structure) of the cell by its own housing wall, since the cell housing of the cell in each case shares 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 is dispensed with, which is usually only possible by means of a slit, for example an air gap. The heat loss during the temperature control of the individual cells can thus 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, integral and material-unified component, which can be produced by means of additive manufacturing methods, for example 3D printing processes.

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

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

Thus, it is possible with the aid of the invention to provide a channel structure with better heat transfer from the cooling structure to the cells, since they share one wall. The construction of the battery module can be simplified by means of the present invention because several separate cooling devices are eliminated. Thus, the installation space and the weight of the finished battery module can be reduced.

Furthermore, the invention may be provided in a battery module in which the channel structure is constructed integrally (and/or integrally and/or material-unitarily) with the cell housing. A single operable member may thus be implemented. The assembly of the battery module can be simplified, and the structural space and weight of the manufactured battery module can be reduced.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that in the battery module 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 thus be carried out simply and inexpensively, even in large numbers of parts.

Furthermore, the invention may be provided in a battery module in which the channel structure is arranged at a distance from the carrier plate. A centered arrangement of the channel structure on the cells can thus be achieved in order to homogenize the temperature regulation of the cells over the height of the cells.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the channel structure is configured in a wave-like manner in a top view of the carrier plate in the battery module. Thus, a plurality of single cells, preferably all single cells, can be connected thermodynamically close to the channel structure.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the channel structure to meander (or meander) between the cell(s). Thus, uniform temperature adjustment between the unit cells can be achieved.

Furthermore, the invention provides that the channel structure is formed in a strip-shaped manner as seen perpendicularly to the line of sight of the carrier plate. Thus, the channel structure may have a certain channel height in order to provide a sufficient flow cross section for the coolant.

Furthermore, the invention may provide that the channel structure at least partially surrounds the cells on the peripheral side. A larger area can thus be provided over which heat can be exchanged between the coolant and the cells. In addition, the temperature adjustment of the cells can be made uniform over the periphery of the cells.

Furthermore, the invention may provide that the channel structure has a continuous, self-closing extension for the coolant. In other words, the channel structure may have a single or multiple loops with a continuous self-closing extension 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 thus be further homogenized by the channel structure.

Furthermore, the invention may be provided in a battery module in which the channel structure has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the coolant. The coolant required for the respective temperature-regulating cell can be introduced into the channel structure via the inlet opening. The coolant exchanging heat with the unit cells can be transferred 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 may lie substantially in a line as seen in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate. Accordingly, the respective connection lines can be easily connected to the discharge 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 terminals of the battery module can thus be easily reached (or touched).

Furthermore, the invention can be provided in a battery module in which the carrier plate and the cell housing are electrically conductive. In this way, the single cells can be connected in parallel by the single cell housing and the carrier plate.

It is furthermore 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 may be provided by a corresponding electrode tab of the cover element, which may be provided for each single cell individually or for all single cells together. The cover element can advantageously be arranged electrically insulated on the cell housing.

Furthermore, the invention may provide that the electrode tabs are embodied in the form of holes in the battery module. It is possible to provide an electrode tab of a simple construction.

It is furthermore conceivable within the scope of the invention for the electrode tabs to be designed for a mechanical, in particular form-fitting and/or friction-fitting connection with a complementary electrode tab of another battery module. In this way, the battery module can be connected in a simple manner with other battery modules to form a modularly constructed battery having 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 module as a modularly constructed battery. The guide rail may be placed in a complementary guide. Thus, a simply assemblable, modularly constructed battery can be provided, which has a simply exchangeable battery module.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention for the guide rail 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 are located. Therefore, even in the case of using a plurality of battery modules, the battery modules can have joints that can be well achieved.

Furthermore, the invention can provide that the carrier plate is designed for the assembly of the battery module as a plug-in module 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 again simply and without great installation costs.

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

It is also conceivable that the carrier plate has at least one recess at the point where no single cells are carried. Thus saving material of the carrier plate.

Furthermore, the technical problem according to the invention is solved by a battery constructed modularly, 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 by means of the battery according to the invention. These advantages are fully incorporated herein by reference.

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

Drawings

Further measures for improving the invention are shown in detail below with reference to the drawings by means of a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention here, respectively, alone or in any combination. It is noted herein that the drawings are merely illustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. 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 view 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 technical 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 cells 101 and a carrier plate 10 for supporting and connecting (or electrically connecting) the cells 101. The carrier plate 10 has a plurality of cup-shaped cell housings 11 (so-called cell sleeves) in which the cells 101 are accommodated (for example in the form of cell reels). The cell housing 11 is constructed in one piece (and/or integrally and/or material-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 single cell 101, which has at least one wall W that is common to a plurality of, preferably all, cell housings 11. The wall W is best seen in the view of fig. 3.

According to the present invention, cooling of the cell 101 via the vicinity of the structure of 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. Better heat transfer between the coolant in the channel structure 12 and the cells 101 and thus effective temperature regulation of the cells 101 can be achieved.

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

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

As fig. 1 and 3 also show, the channel structure 12 can be additionally divided into two paths P1, P2 for the coolant. The same can be used to uniformly cool the single cells 101. In addition, the orientation of the channel structure 12, as well as the structure and channel height, can also be adjusted. As can be seen in fig. 1 and 3, the channel structure 12 may have an inlet opening 1 and an outlet opening 2 for the coolant.

The cells 101 are electrically connected in parallel through the cell case 11 and the carrier plate 10. For electrical contact outwards and/or with other components and/or with other battery modules 100, electrode tabs 3 (for example in the form of holes) may be provided on the carrier plate 10. Since the carrier plate 10 is electrically conductive, an electrical connection with the further battery module 100 can be established by means of the electrode tabs 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 structure 12 at the level of the individual cells 101 can thus be achieved.

Fig. 2 also shows a plan view of the carrier plate 10, in which the channel structure 12 is configured in a wave-like manner in a plan view of the carrier plate 10. Thus, a plurality of cells 101, preferably all cells 101, can be connected to the channel structure 12 in a thermally, structurally close manner.

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

It can also be seen from the perspective views of fig. 1 and 3 that the channel structure 12 is configured in a strip-like manner with a channel height in order to provide a sufficient flow cross section for the coolant.

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

It can furthermore be seen from the views of 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 lie essentially in a line, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate 10. All of the tabs of the battery module 100 can be conveniently accessed.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the carrier plate 10 may have at least one, preferably two guide rails 5 in order to simply and conveniently assemble the battery module 100 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 and, if appropriate, the electrode connections 3 of the carrier plate 10 of the channel structure 12 are located. Therefore, even in the case of using a plurality of battery modules 100, the battery modules 100 may have joints that can be well achieved.

Thus, the battery module 100 may be provided as a plug-in module, which may be assembled into a modularly constructed battery simply and without great installation outlay.

Furthermore, it can be seen in the embodiment according to fig. 1 that the carrier plate 10 can have at least one recess 4 at the point where the cells 101 are not supported, 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 transition into the cell housing 11 outside the carrier plate 10 in order to save material of the carrier plate 10 and to stably accommodate the cells 101 in the battery module 100.

The foregoing description of the embodiments describes the invention only within the scope of examples. It is clear that 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 battery module

101 single cell

10 bearing plate

11 single cell case

12 channel structure

13 accommodating portion

1 entrance opening

2 discharge opening

3 electrode joint

4 empty part

5 guide rail

P1 path

P2 path

W-common wall

Claims

1. A battery module (100), the battery module having:

a plurality of single cells (101), and

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,

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

it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

the cell housing (11) is integrally formed with the carrier plate (10),

the carrier plate (10) is designed for the assembly of a battery module (100) as a plug-in module into a modularly constructed battery,

wherein the carrier plate (10) and the cell housing (11) are electrically conductive and/or

Wherein the carrier plate (10) and the cell housing (11) have electrode connections (3), wherein the channel structure (12) is arranged at a distance from the carrier plate (10), and wherein the channel structure (12) is configured in a wave-like manner as seen in a top view of the carrier plate (10), and wherein the channel structure (12) extends in a meandering manner between the cells (101).

2. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the channel structure (12) is integrally constructed with the cell housing (11).

3. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel structure (12) is manufactured with the cell housing (11) and the carrier plate (10) by means of an additive manufacturing method.

4. The battery module (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the channel structure (12) is manufactured with the cell housing (11) and the carrier plate (10) by means of an additive manufacturing method.

5. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the channel structure (12) is configured in a strip-like manner from a perspective perpendicular to the carrier plate (10).

6. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the channel structure (12) at least partially surrounds the single cells (101) on the peripheral side.

7. The battery module (100) according to claim 5, wherein the channel structure (12) at least partially surrounds the single cells (101) on the peripheral side.

8. The battery module (100) of claim 1, wherein the channel structure (12) has a continuous self-closing extension shape for the coolant.

9. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the channel structure (12) has two paths (P1, P2) for coolant.

10. The battery module (100) according to claim 8, wherein the channel structure (12) has two paths (P1, P2) for coolant.

11. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel structure (12) has an inlet opening (1) and an outlet opening (2) for coolant.

12. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) are located substantially in a line, seen in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10).

13. The battery module (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) are located substantially in a line, seen in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10).

14. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and the electrode tabs (3) of the carrier plate (10) are located substantially in a line seen in a direction perpendicular to the carrier plate (10).

15. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode tabs (3) are embodied in the form of holes.

16. The battery module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode tabs (3) are designed for mechanical connection with complementary electrode tabs of another battery module (100).

17. The battery module (100) according to claim 15, wherein the electrode tabs (3) are designed for mechanical connection with complementary electrode tabs of another battery module (100).

18. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the carrier plate (10) has at least one guide rail (5) for assembling the battery module (100) into a modularly constructed battery.

19. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the rails (5) of the carrier plate (10) extend perpendicularly to a line on which the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and the electrode tabs (3) of the carrier plate (10) are located.

20. The battery module (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the rails (5) of the carrier plate (10) extend perpendicularly to a line on which the inlet opening (1) and the outlet opening (2) of the channel structure (12) and the electrode tabs (3) of the carrier plate (10) are located.

21. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the carrier plate (10) has a plurality of receptacles (13) for the individual cells (101), which receptacles are embedded in the carrier plate (10).

22. The battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the carrier plate (10) has at least one recess (4) at a location where no single cell (101) is carried.

23. A modularly constructed battery having at least one battery module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 22.